The festive season is upon us and excitement is in the air.
One important job to put on the to do list, is to check your security and make sure all is in order.
“Criminals are gearing up for their busiest time of the year. Make checking your security system a priority, so Santa is the only surprise visitor you get this year,” said Theunis Kotze, ADT inland region general manager.
He highly recommends doing a pre-holiday alarm check, to make sure the system is working.
“If you pick up any issues, book a technician now to come and check. It’s best not to wait until you are locking up the house to head off on holiday, to do a check. At that point, it may be difficult to get a technician straight away. Also, consider asking your security company to do a risk assessment of your property and make recommendations. There’s a lot of value in having an expert eye advise you, on where you may need to tighten up your security,” added Kotze.
He also highlights the importance of making sure your security company can access your property, in the event of an alarm activation or emergency.
“On many occasions we’ve been called out to a property and when we get there, the residents are away on holiday, can’t be reached and there’s no way to enter the premises. A lock box is a great way to ensure your property can be inspected and kept secure, while you’re away,” he said.
Kotze provides these handy tips to consider, prior to leaving for your holiday:
- Ensure there are no gaps in your fence or unintentional points of access to your home, which may need additional security.
- Connect outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors.
- Advise your security company of your holiday plans – should something happen while you’re away, it’s essential that they have the following updated information on your holiday form: all keyholder information and details of domestic staff or house sitters, who may be staying on the property while you’re away.
- Inform your neighbours and neighbourhood watch of your holiday plans, so that they can keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
- Ensure that all your outside locks are a minimum of four lever locks or double cylinder security locks. It’s also a good idea to check that all these locks are in good working order.
- Make sure that all bushes or trees close to your doors and garage are trimmed, to avoid the possibility of intruders hiding behind them.
- Before locking up, check all water outlets and electric sockets. Ensure that you haven’t left a key on the inside of an outer door that has glass panels, or glass near the door lock.
- If you’re going away for several weeks, consider asking someone to visit the property from time to time. Movement in and out of the house is a deterrent in itself.
“The festive season should be a time of relaxation. Get your security in order now, so you can enjoy a hassle-free break,” said Kotze.
