The home security checklist you need to do this holiday season
In Australia the holiday season is prime time for thieves and burglars to break into homes. Thanks to our geographical location Aussie Christmases tend to be warm and sunny, and most of us spend our Christmas holidays at the beach or otherwise out and about, leaving our homes empty but full to the brim with new gifts and gadgets.
An experienced burglar knows exactly when to strike and how to pick the perfect house for a break-and-enter, so it pays to take your home security seriously. The home security experts at ADT Security have provided us with the ultimate holiday home security checklist to do this summer.
According to Darryn Bull from ADT Security, “One of the biggest mistakes people make before they go on holiday is failing to prioritise home security. Taking these preventative measures will help ensure more people spend their holiday relaxing instead of worrying about what’s happening back at home.”
1. Undertake a home security audit
“Try to ‘think like a thief’ while walking around your property, checking for things such as broken fences, gate latches and window locks. It’s a good idea to do this several weeks before going on holiday so there’s plenty of time to fix any problems.”
2. Organise for a home security professional to visit the home
“A licensed security expert can assess the home and create a tailored solution with the households’ individual security needs and budget in mind. ADT recommends installing a new security system several weeks before going away so you can become familiar with all its functions and features.”
3. Consider live streaming cameras
“Positioning cameras around the home are ideal for monitoring all sorts of situations, from checking on parcels left at the front door to peeking in on pets while away.”
4. Document any valuables
“Create an up-to-date list of valuables such as smart devices, jewellery, antiques and other big-ticket items and photograph them as well. This can provide vital proof of ownership in the unfortunate event of a burglary. Note down any distinctive features or model numbers and if possible, etch the item so it is easily identifiable should it be recovered.”
5. Ask neighbours to keep an eye on the home
“For those of us with friendly neighbours, having a trusted neighbour collect the mail and bring in bins will help ensure the home is less tempting to burglars by giving the impression that someone is home.
6. Hide valuables
“In the unfortunate event that an intruder breaks into the home, don’t make it easy for them to locate precious irreplaceable valuables. Hide items such as jewellery, electronic devices, car keys and sensitive documents such as bank statements, in a hard-to-find place, or better yet, lock them away in a safe.”
7. Spray alarm sensors to help prevent false alarms
“Insects and spiders can be a common cause of false alarms, so before leaving for holiday give the security sensors a light spray with insect repellent to help deter pesky bugs and spiderwebs.”
8. Automate lights
“Programming lights to switch on and off while people are away is a clever tactic that helps create the impression the home is occupied.”
9. Update emergency contacts
“For those who will be overseas or in a remote area make sure an emergency contact has been nominated. ADT customers shouldn’t forget to call and update their emergency contact details. It is also a good idea to give the contact details to a trusted neighbour.”
10. Don’t reveal holiday plans online
“Last but certainly not least, oversharing personal details on social media can put your home’s security at risk. People need to be careful not to post their whereabouts or holiday plans or use geo-tagged posts. While it’s tempting to share exciting images from exotic holiday destinations, try to wait until returning home before uploading them.”
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