How to keep your home safe whether on vacation or staycation this festive season

The holidays are almost upon us and whether you are planning a vacation or staycation, it is vital to take precautions during this time. Homes are often more vulnerable during the holidays and the onset of the Covid Pandemic seems to have increased opportunistic crime in many neighbourhoods.

We thought it pertinent to highlight a few tips to keep your home safe over the festive season, whether you are home or away.

Tip #1. Do not give out too much personal information on social media. Tighten your social media security settings so that your posts are only visible to trusted followers and friends. Criminals are becoming craftier and are using social media to gain information about areas and what people are up to. Do however, let your security company and the local Neighbourhood Watch know if you are going on holiday so that they can keep an eye on the property.

Tip #2. Keep your home maintained. Ensure your perimeter walls and security system is well maintained and do a regular check, especially on doors and windows, including garage doors, which open to the road-side of the property. If you are going away, double-bolt your garage doors because these areas are often where criminals gain entry. If you are spending more time at home, do not let up on ensuring doors and gates are locked by sunset.

Tip #3. Tighten up on your security. If you do not already have a security system, instal one. It provides vital peace of mind that you will be alerted if there is a breach in and around your property. Security companies usually provide a service at a monthly fee inclusive of the equipment. More sophisticated systems will allow video monitoring in your home and on your mobile phone or laptop so that you can at all times have a full view of your property. Ensure you advertise the fact that you have a linked security system to act as a first barrier deterrent.

Tip #4. Get a friend to visit. Never leave your home unattended for longer than a day as it can quickly become obvious that nobody is home. Arrange with a friend to keep a spare set of keys and make regular visits to the property to clear mail or leaflets lying around. If you can, instal a timer for a few strategic lights which can automatically switch on at sunset and off at around 10-11pm to create the impression that someone is home. Outdoor sensor lights are another important addition to your home and garden to act as a deterrent whether you are home or away.

Tip #5. Check your insurance. Terms and conditions of insurance products are changing on an almost monthly basis and it is becoming tougher to claim. Check your insurance policies, both for the property itself as well as the contents to ensure that it is adequate to cover your property and belongings. Remove valuables if possible and store these with a friend or in a safety deposit box.

Home is our Story, and property our passion. It looks as if the property market will not be taking a vacation this December as buyers continue their eagerness to take advantage of the low interest rate and favourable mortgage lending climate.

Whether you are thinking of selling or would like to know what your property might fetch in this market, please do not hesitate to contact us today!

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