Security at Home - Some Tips

There are some simple things you can do to prevent burglary. Here are some suggestions:

10 tips for security at home
There are a lot of simple things you can do to make your home more secure:

1. Enable a clear view of your house from the street. Keep trees and shrubs trimmed. This cuts out hiding places for would-be burglars.
2. Mark your valuables - it makes them harder to sell so less attractive to steal. Contact your local police station to ask about engraving equipment (link to article)
3. Keep bikes and tools locked in the garage or shed.
4. Use motion sensing lighting to deter burglars from getting too close.
5. Have quality locks fitted to all windows and doors.
6. Use the locks - keep doors locked even when you at home or in the garden.
7. Fit a lockable security screen door and keep it locked even when you are home.
8. Consider installing an alarm as an extra deterrent.
9. Don't leave messages on your door - it just lets people know you are not there.
10. Don't have your name and address on your key-ring.

10 tips for security while you're on holidays
So you're off on holidays? Well don't make it obvious to would-be burglars. Make it look like someone is home:

1. Lock everything before you leave, including the garage, the gates, shed, power box.
2. If you have an alarm system, activate it. Give a neighbour a spare key and the alarm PIN so they can get into the house if needed.
3. Set timers on lights and appliances, so they come on for a few hours in the evening - at times when you would normally be at home.
4. Put valuables in a safe deposit box.
5. Ask a neighbour to clear your mailbox, put your bins out and in, adjust your blinds each day.
6. Leave clothes on the line.
7. Mow the lawns before you leave and arrange for them to be mowed while you are away.
8. Don't leave a spare key in a secret spot in the garden. Burglars know where to look. Give a key to a trusted neighbour instead.
9. Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway.
10. Cancel the newspaper delivery.