Some simple tips to protect your home over the Holiday Season!
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December 19, 2016
This is the time of year when many people go on holidays and unfortunately statistics show that this is also the time when burglars are more likely to strike (remember Home Alone?)
Here are some simple tips to protect your home and/or investment property over the break.
Be Social Media Savvy:
Not surprisingly, social media is a commonly used tool for burglars when scouting potential targets. Many families publish their holidays on-line which screams to burglars ‘My House if Empty!”. Make sure to check your privacy settings on all of your social media accounts before posting the holiday happy snaps.
Festive Lighting – watch your cables:
Again it is sometimes difficult to avoid however many home owners make the mistake of feeding extension cables through partially open windows.
This is a classic ‘opening’ for a burglar and makes your home an easy target.
Maybe opt for solar and battery operated outdoor lighting or if you are really keen on the festive lighting how about investing in an outdoor electrical point?
Shut your curtains & blinds
It is always good to keep valuable items out of sight. There are many cheap timers on the market too for lights. These products are good to give the illusion of occupancy.
Check your locks are intact:
Statistics show that 30% of robberies occur due to entry via a window. At a relatively low cost of installing some extra dead-bolts and/or new window hinges you may save yourself a fortune in the long run.
Away over Christmas – plan ahead!
Again, papers on the driveway or mail spilling out of the letterbox is a dead giveaway that no-one is home.
If you can, arrange to a neighbour to help with these things. This will again create the impression that someone is home.
Also cancel subscriptions like newspapers if you can while you are away.
Don’t hide keys and use alarms if you have them:
Burglars know to look for hidden door keys so don’t hide spare keys under rocks, in flower pots or above door ledges. Instead give the spare key to family or a trusted neighbour. Many houses these days have alarms though many are rarely set. Make sure yours is on to protect your home.