With summer holidays just around the corner many of us of as are looking forward to packing up, abandoning home and heading off on holiday. Unfortunately this is the time of year that burglars love! Follow these simple steps and you’ll help minimize the risk of burglary.
- Don’t’ let your mailbox overflow. Get in touch with New Zealand Post to stop your mail, or ask a neighbour to collect it daily.
- It’s great if you have a neighbour who can close your curtains daily. If not, leave them open (or as you would during the day). If all your curtains are closed day after day it screams that no one is home.
- Try and control your excitement (and limit jealousy) by not posting on social media about your holiday until you are back in your own bed. Even if you’re just sharing with friends and family, others may be able to read comments and they will know you’re away.
- Use light timers indoors and make sure your outside security lights are functioning.
- If you’ve got an alarm, turn it on. Even if you don’t have an alarm putting the alarm surveillance stickers on your windows can be a good idea.
- Keep all spare house keys and car keys hidden, as if you do get broken into it can prevent thieves making a return visit.
- Unplug as much as you can (ideally everything except the fridge). This will help protect you from power surges.
- Hide all valuables (or anything that looks valuable) from view.
