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Securing your home while you soak up the sun

Barry Washkansky

02 December 2009

How to keep the crooks out of your property

As the days lengthen and the sun strengthens and that holiday creeps ever closer, it's difficult to keep your mind on work, never mind on anything else meaningful besides your holiday. So while holiday preparations are in full swing there is one aspect that people often neglect but really shouldn't: the security of their home while they are away.

While no home is 100% secure no matter what you do, you can certainly take measures to minimize the risk and secure your home as best as possible.

So what do you need to know and do to secure your home while you hit the beach?

Statistics show that criminal activity increases during the holiday season. "It is essential that homeowners take the necessary precautions and don't let down their guard," said Roy Rawlins, Managing Director of ADT Johannesburg. He recommends you advise your security company of your holiday plans at least two weeks before going away.

But why should you tell your security company? Rawlins agrees that your property will be protected if you are away but should something happen during that time, it is essential that your security provider has updated information so you can be contacted.

"Your security provider should be providing all the regular services as normal but it cannot function optimally if it struggles to make contact with you. Good planning and preparation by a homeowner with the security provider can only be a good thing and offer peace of mind," he said.

ADT Security even has a holiday form on its website. It encourages clients to fill this in before going away. The form includes all key-holder information and details of domestic workers, gardeners or house sitters who may be staying on the property during that period.

Said Rawlins: "Clients need to remember that the key holder must be a person they trust. They may need, for example, to decide on hiring a guard, replacing a window and/or burglar bars should an incident take place."

Homeowners are advised to inform their neighbours and Neighbourhood Watch of their holiday plans. "You can also ask your local police department or security company if they offer a ‘vacation check' programme and make the necessary arrangements for this service if available. This could include random patrols to ensure no trespassers are on the property.

A few tips before going away.

Test your alarm and make sure it is in working order. Do this in good time before you go away as December is a busy period for security companies and should the system require servicing you may need some time to sort it out.

Ensure your property is secure - that there are no holes in the fence or other vulnerable points of access to your home.

Ensure all bushes or trees close to your doors and garage are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding behind them

Stop all newspaper and other deliveries (if applicable) and arrange that someone collects your post while you are away. An overflowing post box or piles of newspapers are like a welcome mat for burglars.

Make sure anyone visiting the property (with your permission) knows how to use the alarm system correctly.

Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks and that all are in good working order.

Install an outdoor light or lights with timers and motion sensors to act as an additional deterrent.

Make sure your household and property insurance is paid, up-to-date and active.

Do not leave a message on your answering machine stating that you're out of town.

Ensure that you have not left a key on the inside of an outer door that has glass panels or glass near the door lock.

Leaving dogs on the premises is a good security measure but obviously make sure they are well looked after while you are away.

"The Festive Season should be a time of relaxation and giving, but let's ensure that we are not giving our belongings to criminals on a golden platter," concludes Rawlins. "Think like a burglar and take these preventative measures to ensure the safety and security of your belongings." Write to: news@realestatewb.co.za

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