Eight ways to keep your home secure while on holidays
Wednesday, 20th January 2021
Being conscious of your home security ahead of a holiday and, more importantly, while you’re on holiday, is vital so that you don’t make your home a target.
Here are eight tips for keeping your house, and your belongings, secure while you’re away.
Ask a friend or neighbour to collect your mail
Of course, you’ll lock your doors and windows before you leave, but it always pays to make your place look like it’s occupied by asking a friend or neighbour to clear the letterbox and put your bins out and back in.
Get a house sitter
Better still, get yourself a house-sitter. In this age of the never-empty nest, 20-something nieces, nephews and neighbours’ kids should be lining up to nurture your vegie garden and their sense of independence.
Set your lights to a timer
If you can’t find a house sitter, invest in programmable timers that will switch on lights and appliances such as your television on a schedule so it looks like you’re at home.
Lend your driveway
If you’re taking your car away with you, ask a neighbour to park in your driveway to make it look like someone’s home.
Lock tools away
Lock your tools and ladders in a shed or garage. These can often be used to break into a property. Lock up bikes and other items that you might usually store outside.
Update your building and contents insurance
It’s possibly the last thing most people want to think about in the lead-up to the holidays, but an estimated four out of five home owners don’t have enough home and contents insurance to cover them if disaster strikes. So before heading off, make sure your cover is up to date and reflects the current full replacement value of both your home and its contents.
Check your social media settings
Are you a social over-sharer? Even the most security-conscious can leave a door open to burglars by making their absence obvious on social media through posts, photos and check-ins. Update the privacy settings on your social media accounts to ensure your holiday details are visible only to friends. If you need to tell someone your home address, do it privately.
Invest in a home security system
Give burglars a good reason to steer clear of your house. A security alarm with 24/7 monitoring or professionally installed CCTV system will not only deter thieves, but will also give you the peace of mind of knowing your home is protected in the event of trouble when you’re out of town.
Source: racv.com.au
Source: Caitlin Fraser
