The shops are brimming with Easter bunnies and eggs, a reminder that the Easter long weekend is not far off.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe private schools are also heading towards school holidays in a week or two so now is the time to get home security in order,\u201d said Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT.<\/p>
Whether you are staying at home or going away, ensuring your home is secure should be a priority before the Easter weekend.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe often see a spate of opportunistic crime over the Easter holiday period.<\/p>
\u201cThese 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
In the spirit of Easter, she offers these five hops to getting your security in order:<\/p>\n
Hop 1:<\/strong> Ensure that your alarm is in working order. Like all household appliances, your alarm needs to be tested regularly. Don\u2019t leave it until the day before you leave as you may need technical assistance to fix any problems and this could take a few days.<\/p>\n Hop 2:<\/strong> Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the event of an emergency. If you don\u2019t have an access solution in place, such as a lock box for example, speak to your security provider about what your options are.<\/p>\n Hop 3:<\/strong> Cut back any bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates to your property or provide places for criminals to hide. Take a walk around your perimeter checking walls and fences for any broken or damaged areas that may compromise their effectiveness.<\/p>\n Hop 4:<\/strong> If hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly. If you don\u2019t have a house-sitter, ask a neighbour or a friend to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer.<\/p>\n Hop 5:<\/strong> Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home. Turn off your geyser and any unnecessary electrical appliances so you can save on electricity and be environmentally friendly.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Youth desk and police address safety issues in Primrose Sector One<\/a><\/p>\n Man arrested for alleged house break-in and theft<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cIf your children are at home during the holidays make sure they are aware that they need to keep all doors locked and that no-one is to enter the home without your permission.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have a home security system installed teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use other security devices like panic buttons.<\/p>\n \u201cMake a list of important telephone numbers \u2013 including the 10111 number \u2013 and show them that it has been placed near the telephone for use in emergencies,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n She encouraged parents of teens to lay down some basic rules to ensure their safety while at home alone.<\/p>\n \u201cMake sure your teens understand that if they are having friends over they need to talk to you about it first.<\/p>\n \u201cTeens should also be conscious of security when hanging around outside the gate or in the street,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n \u201cCriminals won\u2019t hesitate to take advantage of a gate standing open.<\/p>\n \u201cIf they are heading to a mall or public place, they need to make sure that they have proper plans and are in a group.<\/p>\n \u201cLet\u2019s all work together to make sure the Easter bunny is the only visitor in your garden this Easter.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n