It is vitally important to be extra vigilant against criminals in the holiday season so we at JNB Aerials have knocked together a little guidebook of tips to help secure your home, a lot of these ideas are free and simple to act on!
Always Keep Doors and Windows Fully Locked – This sound really simple and obvious but it is the one that catches people out the most, 40% of household burglaries not forced entry meaning that they have entered through an open door or window. It only takes a minute to check over your house and make sure all the windows and doors are locked fully before you leave the house.
Make sure your Alarms on – An alarming number of people pay a fortune to have an elaborate alarm system fitted only to not turn it on when they leave for work or at night-time, again, it only takes a second to turn it on and it will deter any would-be criminals. Remember, if your alarm is near a front door that has a window, a potential burglar may be able to see your alarm box and see it’s not activated!
CCTV Installation – This is becoming increasingly popular among families and they may not be as expensive as you think. Can you put a price on peace of mind?
Don’t leave things of display – Again, this may seem obvious but have a walk past your window and garden and have a look what is on display, you may just be advertising to potential thieves. Ensure you don’t leave any boxes for expensive items like TV’s, Laptops and Consoles outside your home, especially around the Christmas season, as this could be another advertisement that you have expensive items in your home.
Don’t Keep Spare Keys Hidden Outside – Keeping a spare key outside under the bin/doormat/plant pot is a jackpot for a burglar, if your relatives can find it, so can a thief! An alternative is to leave a key with a neighbour or friend that lives close by or get more sets of keys cut as they are relatively inexpensive
Make it look like your Home – Most burglaries take place in the daytime so it may be good idea to give the impression you are home when you are at work. Maybe leave the TV or radio on or get timer switches for the lights to make it look like your home, all this will deter a criminal and make them look for a different target.
Neighbours look out for each other – It is known that neighbourhoods that are tight-knit and look out for each other often experience lower burglary rates. This is because there are more eyes watching your home and strangers in the area will be spotted more effectively. If you are not in an official neighbourhood watch scheme it may be a good idea to have a chat with your neighbours and just agree to keep an eye out for each other.
Avoid announcing plans – There has been a major increase in criminals using social media to look out for people posting their holiday plans and pictures online. This is an advertisement that you are away and an invitation to a burglar, keep holiday plans off the internet and if possible, get someone to look after your house while your away.
Keep post maintained if going away – Another holiday related item, criminals will often look for signs such as a build-up of post to signal someone is away, it has even been found that criminals will place a pizza menu in your door and see how long it stays there for. If you go away for the holiday period, try and organise someone to move your post daily and maybe even walk up your drive in the event of snow to make some footprints, giving the impression that someone is in the house.
Be prepared – If the worst should happen, be prepared for it. Ensure all laptops and electronics are backed up, any expensive items are known to your insurer, cash is well hidden and any safe is bolted down. Hopefully this won’t happen to you but it is always best to be prepared just in case.
Hopefully there a few tips in here to help keep your home and family secure this Christmas; from everyone at JNB Aerials have a Happy and Safe Christmas!
