Homes & gardens
SIMPLE STEPS to
But have you thought about what you are leaving behind? Your home, valuables and possessions – here’s some tips on how to keep them safe and secure while you are away.
1. Close and lock doors and windows:
Don't make it easy for a burglar by leaving doors, windows and out buildings insecure. If you have multipoint locking on your doors ensure the handle is pulled up (to throw bolts) then lock the handle with a key so a burglar trying the door doesn't remove the multi-point locks.
2. Remove obvious signs that you are away:
Cancel the papers and the milk delivery. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye out and push post through the letter box. Park a car on the drive and use light sensitive sensors (or time clocks) to switch on lights at dusk and off at dawn.
3. Don't advertise you are away: Resist temptation to tell others you are going away using social media. Resist telling everyone what a great time you are having in the sun and how much your family are enjoying the break. You are telling burglars that your house in empty.
4. Secure your valuables: Fit a safe in a convenient location within the house. So that you can secure your jewellery and valuables (and make sure it is bolted into position). Don't leave
valuables on display and do not leave car keys in the hall or kitchen, which are easily accessed.
5. Make your home visible and hard to access:
Avoid screening you home with high fences or hedges at the front. Keep fences at the side and rear in a good state of repair and make them hard to climb with trellis work at the top. Grow prickly hedges to make a physical barrier.
6. Fit a burglar alarm: Burglars don't want to be heard. Fit an alarm to alert neighbours and the burglar they have been detected; it is a deterrent against your home being targeted.
Editorial Supplied by Terry Roffey, of Brook Security, Maidstone. Mid Kent Living 51
7. Install CCTV cameras: Burglars don't want to be seen. CCTV cameras are a deterrent, allowing you to see in the dark and to turn back time. Answer questions of "Who did that?" by replaying recorded images. Modern technology uses high definition and lets you see your home from a smart phone so you can see what is going on even when you are not there.
So now you’ve done all the things you can to safeguard the things you value, you certainly can have a Happy Holiday.
These top tips will help keep your home safe after your return as well. So are a good investment of time and money.
safeguard your peace of mind
"Booked your holiday and looking forward to two weeks in the sun? Checked your passport is in date, bought new clothes and sun cream? All sorted.
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