The shops are already brimming with Easter bunnies and eggs, a reminder that the Easter long weekend is not far off. “The schools are also heading towards school holidays in a week or two so now is the time to get home security in order,” says Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Marketing and Communications at Fidelity ADT.
Whether you are staying at home or going away, ensuring your home is secure should be a priority before the Easter weekend approaches. “We often see a spate of opportunistic crime over the Easter holiday period. These crimes are not always traditional house break-ins while residents are away but also include driveway hijackings and robberies, and break-ins while residents are entertaining or sleeping in their homes,” she says.
In the spirit of Easter, she offers these five hops to getting your security in order:
Hop 1: Ensure that your alarm is in working order. Like all household appliances, your alarm needs to be tested regularly. Don’t leave it until the day before you leave as you may need technical assistance to fix any problems and this could take a few days.
Hop 2: Make sure your security provider has access to your property in the event of an emergency. If you don’t have an access solution in place, such as Fidelity SecureGate for example, speak to your security provider about what your options are.
Hop 3: Cut back any bushes or trees that may offer easy access over walls or gates to your property or provide places for criminals to hide. Take a walk around your perimeter checking walls and fences for any broken or damaged areas that may compromise their effectiveness.
Hop 4: If hiring a house-sitter, ensure that you teach them how to use your alarm correctly. If you don’t have a house-sitter, ask a neighbour or a friend to turn on lights occasionally so that there is a sense that someone is around. If this is not possible, consider putting your outside lights on a timer.
Hop 5: Double check that you have locked and secured all windows and doors before leaving home. Turn off your geyser and any unnecessary electrical appliances so you can save on electricity and be environmentally friendly.
“If your children are at home during the holidays make sure they are aware that they need to keep all doors locked and that no-one is to enter the home without your permission. If you have a home security system installed teach them how to activate and de-activate it and how and when to use other security devices like panic buttons. Make a list of important telephone numbers – including the 10111 number – and show them that it has been placed near the telephone for use in emergencies,” says Hattingh.
She encourages parents of teens to lay down some basic rules to ensure their safety while at home alone. “Make sure your teens understand that if they are having friends over they need to talk to you about it first. Teens should also be conscious of security when hanging around outside the gate or in the street. Criminals won’t hesitate to take advantage of a gate standing open. If they are heading to a mall or public place, they need to make sure that they have proper plans and are in a group.”
“Let’s all work together to make sure the Easter bunny is the only visitor in your garden this Easter,” concludes Hattingh.
