![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2016/12/policevest_19059_4366158_3022332_6921539_8348023_7245506_1915138.jpg)
Make sure someone empties your post box so it appears that someone is at the house
- Clean the garden inside and outside regularly to ensure it looks maintained
- Inform your neighbors or someone you trust that you are going away
- Â Report any suspicious activity to the police
- Keep all visible and valuable items out of sight
- Have someone attend to the lights and curtains when you are away
- q Lock the garage doors with strong locks
- q Before leaving, close all windows and lock all external doors. Remove all the keys from the locks and keep them in a safe place
- Do not publicise your holiday plans
- Do not leave a message that you are going on holiday on your answering machine, but rather unplug your phone
- Keep in regular contact with the person who is safeguarding your home
- Avoid becoming a victim of crime this festive season.