There is one more week of school holidays to go and if you and your family are planning a trip, make sure you protect your home and belongings from unwanted visitors! There are a number of simple steps that you can take to deter thieves and intruders from your property.
DON’T MAKE IT OBVIOUS THAT YOU ARE AWAY
The very first thing to do is to take steps to disguise the fact that you and your family are not at home. Firstly, simulate activity at your house that makes it appear that someone is home. Leave a car in the driveway and put either/both internal and external lights on a timer that switches them off and on to a schedule - don’t leave your lights on the whole time you are away, the electricity bill will end up costing you far more! Remember not to leave the bins on the verge when you go either, as bins left out all week are a sure sign of an empty home.
If you still have a home phone in your house, think about turning down the volume and don’t indicate on your voicemail that you are away. An unanswered ringing phone can alert unwanted visitors to the fact your house is empty.
If you are going to be away for a while, ask someone to collect your mail for you and mow your lawn before you leave. You can also stop your mail for a while by contacting Australia Post.
Consider who your friends are on Facebook before sharing information about your travel. Do you know everyone well who will be reading it? Letting a range of people know when you are away and that your house will be unattended is a big security risk. Keep an eye on the posts of your family and friends as well just in case they say ‘looking forward to seeing you when you get back from Europe next week!’
PROTECT AGAINST UNAUTHORISED ENTRY
An important consideration that is sometimes forgotten is to consider who might have access to your house. Think about whether past tenants, owners, partners or anyone else could still have copies of your keys or if anyone could have made copies without your knowledge. If this is a concern contact your local locksmith to change your locks and talk to them about obtaining key copy protection.
Check with your local locksmith that your door and window security is sufficient and that they are fitted with appropriate locks that are in good condition and comply with your home insurance requirements. Consider a door security bar for sliding doors.
Make sure to lock your shed and ensure that tools, ladders and other backyard items are locked away so they cannot be used in a break in.
Remove that spare key. Most of us hide keys in similar places and they are well known! Leaving out your 'hidden' spare key leaves your home wide open for invasion.
Don’t just lock your doors, lock your windows – including ones on the second floor - and bolt your dog door.
Install a home security system, or at the very least even just add fake signs or stickers to deter would-be burglars.
Don’t leave a GPS or any papers with your address on in your car if you’re parking in long-term parking at the airport.
PROTECT YOUR VALUABLES
Make sure all your valuables are out of sight of any windows. Look in your windows from outside to be sure.
Don’t leave car keys and handbags in plain sight.
Don’t just hide your valuables in the dresser or the freezer – the main hiding places are well known to thieves. Talk to your local locksmith about purchasing a safe to securely lock away your items.
These simple tips make it simple to protect your home when on holiday so you can truly, properly relax when you're away.
