4 ways to protect your home when it stands empty

HOMEOWNERS have been urged to consider the security systems they have installed for their properties to ensure they are kept safe and secure while they are away on holiday.

The warning comes in the wake of a number of incidents along the South Coast where holiday homes have been targeted by criminals.

Also read: How to safely choose the right contractors for home renovations

Charnel Hattingh, group head of communications and marketing at Fidelity ADT, said, “We are aware of four incidents in Uvongo in recent weeks. In these cases, suspects broke into the homes and ripped out alarm systems, causing extensive damage. They then proceeded to steal copper pipes and wires, they broke walls and pulled other wires from the walls.”

She said there are easy ways in which you can make sure that your property will be safe and secure while it stands empty, whether it ends up being for a few days or weeks or even months. “Your insurance company will also have some specific requirements which must be followed,” Hattingh added.

Get to know your neighbours

The people living next door will be the first ones to see if anything is wrong, for example, a broken window or signs of unauthorised entry. Hattingh said, “Speak to them and make sure they have your contact details. The same can be said for contacting a body corporate if your property happens to be in a block of flats.”

Focus on the perimeter

Start with the border wall and check that there are no holes in the fence or other easy ways for would-be criminals to gain access to your property. “Lock all outside gates, doors and windows, and give some consideration to using an electric fence or a beam alarm that is linked to an armed response company. Draw the curtains, and consider installing a light system that is linked to a timer which can help create the impression that someone is home,” said Hattingh.

Cancel deliveries and take care of the garden

It is very easy for a property to look unoccupied if the newspapers start piling up outside the front door or if the lawn starts growing out of control.

Alert your armed response company

Hattingh also recommends that homeowners alert their armed response companies about properties that will be standing empty for any extended period.

“By letting us know that no one will be home, we can ask our armed response officers to keep a lookout for any suspicious activity in and around your property. It also means that we will know exactly who to contact in any emergency, especially if we need to gain access to your home as quickly as possible,” she concluded.

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