Keep home security top of mind

FOR many who have time away from work and school, these summer holidays are a period of rest and relaxation. Despite the festive atmosphere, a local private security company says home and personal safety must be top of mind at all times.

“Whether you’re staying home, planning fun days out or short breakaways, it is important that precautions are taken to ensure you, your loved ones and your belongings are safe and secure,” says Ivan Govender, district manager (KZN) for Fidelity ADT.

“There are a number of practical and cost-effective measures that can be taken to enhance home security.

“It’s a good idea to start off with a walk around your property.”

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• Look out for anything on the inside or outside of the boundary wall that could help a crook easily climb into or out of the property, this includes low- hanging branches.

• Trim back thick bushes which provide hiding places for crooks.

• Ensure that no valuables or tools that could be used as weapons or to gain entry to the house or garage, are left in the garden or yard.

If you are entertaining at home, Govender advises guests not to leave any valuables in their vehicle where they can be easily spotted from the outside.

“Encourage them to rather keep them in the boot, or bring them inside. This, he says, is a general rule that can be applied whenever you are out and about.”

Should the household be out for the day, there are a few simple checks that can be done before leaving home to secure the house from the inside.

Ensure all windows – fanlights included – are properly closed and locked.

If no one will be around until after dark, draw the blinds or curtains in such a way that no one can see inside.

For those away for a few days, follow this:

• If the lights are not on a timer, have a trusted family member or neighbour visit the house daily to switch them on and off

• Ask them to open and close the curtains and blinds, and to regularly remove any mail in the post box.

“Also, regardless of whether you will remain at home or be away, get in touch with your security company to test your alarm system, and to update your contact details and those of your key-holders,” says Govender.

- Supplied.