Bryan Ward - Are You Spending The Christmas Holidays Away?

For many of us Christmas means going away on holiday.. but how secure is your house? Follow these safety tips below to make your house safer these holidays...

• An alarm system is one of the most effective burglar prevention tools along with automatic sensor lighting and deadlocks. Get in the habit of using them ALL of the time not some of the time.
• Even small windows, that adults can not get through should be secured as often children are used to gain entry into houses.
• Make sure you lock the front door if working out the back of the house.
• Make sure people can not gain access to bedrooms when you are in another part of house.
• Do not let people into your house if you do not know them.
• If person asks to use phone either decline or pass phone out to them, do not let them in.
• Ensure windows and doors are locked at night time even when you are home.
• Keep garden sheds and garages secure, lock away tools and ladders.
• Don't leave things lying around the house that could assist people to climb into high windows.
• Install peep-hole in front door so you know who is calling.
• Identify visitors before opening the door.
• Mark valuable property with serial numbers and keep record of them.
• Do not hide keys in obvious places, the burglar knows them all.
• Ensure trees and shrubs are trimmed to reduce places for the burglar to hide.
• If you are female and reside alone leave male shoes at the front door.
• Keep your house number clearly visible from the street both day and night to help emergency services' locate your address.
• Consider engraving your property, it makes it harder to sell.
• Have updated list of serial numbers and photographs of your valuables. Keep several copies.
• Hide or secure valuables such as passports, documents.
• Warning signs in regards to dogs will help deter burglars.
  
  

Over the Christmas period burglars are aware there will be presents in the house to steal. Take a few simple precautions and help deter burglars from your place:

• Keep house secure even if only going out for a short time.
• Secure all windows and doors.
• Each family member should have keys to the house rather than have them hidden outside.
• Record serial numbers of electronic presents, they normally have the serial number written on the box. For more info go to www.snap.org.nz.
• Use timers for radio and lights, make it look like you are in.
• Cancel papers etc when away.
• Have neighbour or friend collect junk mail etc.
• Have them enter your house and open curtains during the day.
• Curtains closed during the day indicate you are away.
• Have neighbour park their car in your driveway.
• Have neighbour hang their washing out on your clothes line.
• Get neighbour to put out your rubbish bin, don't put it out days before the collection.
• Consider someone to house sit while you are away.
• Make sure pets are taken care of.
• Have someone mow your lawns if you are away for any length of time.
• Don't have an answer machine message indicating you are away for a period of time.

Recording Serial numbers / Identification of Property:

• Keep several copies of serial numbers etc in safe place.
• Police require identification numbers or markings to assist them in recovery of property.
• Photograph items of property that are somewhat unique.
• Mark property with an identification number if they do not have a serial number.
• Go to www.snap.org.nz to record your properties serial numbers for free
• Finally, make sure that you avoid discussing holiday plans/destinations on public social networking sites - burglars can use any information you post on there to their advantage