Home safety precautions for the holidays

The latest crime stats reveal some good news for homeowners as they prepare for the coming holiday period. With a reported decline in property-related crimes, homeowners can set off on vacation with slightly more peace of mind than they might have had before.

According to the latest SAPS crime report for Q2 2023, property-related crime is down by 4.1% compared to the same period last year. The report defines property-related crime as "crimes during which tangible property of an individual or institution is taken by criminal elements without permission, and in the absence of the owner/custodian of such property."

Looking at the stats for burglaries at residential premises in particular, the report shows that this type of criminal activity is down by 5.9%

Despite this good news, it is still vital for homeowners to take the necessary safety precautions to minimise the chances of their home being targeted over the holidays. To avoid being the victim of opportunistic crimes, it is advisable to make sure that the home's safety features are all in working order before setting off for a long vacation.   

To help homeowners prepare for any upcoming trips away from home, see the following household safety precautions:

• Test that all sensors on the alarm system are in working order.
• Cut back any plants that are near to your outdoor security beams.
• Double check the batteries on your alarm system. Consider back-up power supplies for when load shedding occurs.
• To avoid having the home appear unoccupied, set some lights to an automatic timer, or arrange for a house sitter.
• Double check that all burglar bars and safety gates are securely fastened.
• Avoid posting on social media until after you have returned, as this might alert cyber criminals to the fact that your home is standing vacant.
• Before leaving, be sure that all windows and doors are securely closed and locked.
• Ask a neighbour to collect any mail from your mailbox to avoid having flyers pile up and alert criminals to the fact that nobody has been home in a while.

Another option is to use the services of your local Real Estate Agent to manage a short-term lease on your property while you are away. Whether you choose to keep your home occupied or not, implementing the above practical safety precautions will not only protect your property, but can also give you some peace of mind that your home is safe while you are away.

Two security options for homeowners to consider: 

1. A metal or wooden block to secure sliding doors

Sliding patio doors are often not the most secure and since they're at the back of the house out of view they are a very appealing target for any would-be burglars. However, no matter how many locks, they pick or windows they break to unlock the door, if you put a piece of wood or metal into the path of the sliding door, there's no way they can get short of breaking down the door and making tons of noise.

2. Metal-framed security doors

This type of door is typically a metal frame with or without added mesh screening that serves as an extra barrier between the door to your house and the outside world. The benefits of the simple addition of security doors are more multifaceted than simply being another layer of protection. These doors are fastened on tight and are much more resistant to being broken down or having their locks manipulated to open the door without a key.

With a security door you're able to open your first door while still giving no opportunity for any would-be thief to get a good look at what's inside of your house. On top of that, should someone unknown to you be knocking at your door, you can quickly jump out of the way and know that if they decide to try and forcibly enter your home the police will be well on their way before they even start making a dent in it.

Some of the most effective security tips are also the simplest. Sometimes a more sophisticated answer is required when thieves are using clever tactics, but the vast majority of home break-ins can be avoided or stopped in their tracks with simple tips like these. Don't overthink it, but make sure your home is secured. 

Extract from Property 24