Before the Easter weekend arrives, you should make sure your house is secure, whether you are staying at home or travelling.
“The schools are also heading towards a short break, so now is the time to get home security in order,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity.
“We often see a spate of opportunistic crime over the Easter holiday period. These crimes are not always traditional house break-ins while residents are away but also include driveway hijackings and robberies, and break-ins while residents are entertaining or sleeping in their homes.”
She provides five steps to organising your security in the spirit of Easter:
• Make sure your alarm is operational. Your alarm needs to be tested on a regular basis, just like any other home item. You could require technical support to resolve any issues, which could take several days, so don’t wait until the day before your trip.
• Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have an access solution in place, speak to your security provider about what your options are.
• Trim any trees or bushes that could make it simple to get over gates or walls to your property or serve as hiding places for criminals. Walk around your perimeter and inspect your walls and fences for any damage or broken spots that could reduce their functionality.
• If you hire someone to watch your house, be sure they know how to use your alarm. If you don’t have a house sitter, ask a friend or neighbour to turn on the lights once in a while to give the impression that someone is there. If this isn’t feasible, think about setting a timer for your outdoor lighting.
• Before you leave the house, make sure that all of the windows and doors are locked and secured. To save electricity and help the environment, turn off your geyser and any other electrical equipment that isn’t needed.
She advises parents of teenagers to establish a few fundamental guidelines to protect their safety when they are at home by themselves.
“Let’s all co-operate to ensure that the Easter bunny is the only guest in your garden this Easter,” Hattingh concluded.
