POLOKWANE – With the holiday season fast approaching, residents are left with many decisions and preparations to make before making their way to their holiday destinations.
“Ensuring the security of family and property is a key priority for the priority at this time,” said Polokwane police spokesperson, Capt Ntobeng Phala.
He said statistics clearly showed that criminal activity increased during the holiday season, and it was therefore imperative for homeowners to take the right precautions and not let their guard down.
Here are some personal safety tips for the holidays
• Advise your security company if you are going away and ensure you supply all the necessary information regarding nearby key holders, in case of an emergency.
• Inform your neighbours of your holiday plans so that they can keep an eye on your property.
• Stop all newspaper deliveries and ask a friend or neighbour to collect your post. A bulging post box is a dead giveaway that you are not at home.
• If hiring a house sitter, ensure you teach them how to use your alarm correctly.
• Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home.
• Ensure all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks.
• Never leave a key in the inside of an outer door which has glass panels or glass near the door lock.
• Having security gates fitted on outer doors is a highly effective security measure that gives you an extra line of defence.
• Sliding doors can be secured simply by placing a piece of timber cut to size in the sliding rail. Make sure sliding doors cannot be lifted vertically.
• Full fencing and sturdy gates are a good deterrent.
• Have good exterior lighting, preferably on a timer.
• Do not leave tools like ladders or spades outside, as they can be used to break into your house.
• Clear signage indicating that you have security also helps to discourage burglars.
