Security tips when going on holiday

An occupied home looks lived in. Lights go on and off, and cars come and go. When you are away, everything stops.

Head of Douglasdale Sector 1 Neighbourhood Watch Sean Gouws said housebreakings have been a concern in the neighbourhood; therefore it helps to create the illusion that the residence is still occupied.

A few tips to secure your home when going away:

• The best way to make sure your house is safe while you are gone is to have someone you trust still living in it. You may also ask someone to switch lights and TV on and off at certain times of the evening so that it looks like there is someone in the house.
• Ask someone to pick up your mail.
• Stop subscription deliveries, such as newspapers and magazines if you can.
• If you are a diligent homeowner who mows his lawn every week, and things start to look overgrown and neglected, it’s easy to come to the conclusion that you are not around. If you plan on being away for an extended period, hire someone to take care of the landscaping chores in your absence.
• Show some caution when you talk about your trip. Only tell the few people you trust.
• Remove your spare key from your hiding spot. That plastic rock is not fooling anyone. If a criminal figures out you are away on vacation, it is likely that he or she will check your porch for a spare key.
• Do not leave windows open
• Advise your security company that you are going away so they can patrol regularly.
• Make sure your alarm and electric fence are working correctly.
• When loading your luggage into your car, do it inside the garage and not on the street because the street is the number one give-away that you will be going away.