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Gifts under the tree, deliveries on the doorstep, windows open to cooling breezes and homes left empty thanks to holidays away can all attract unwelcome visitors. Unfortunately, home burglaries are still a reality. But there are many steps you can take to deter trespassers, protect your property from intruders and keep your home and possessions safe.
Most thefts are crimes of opportunity, so don’t make it easier for burglars to target your home. Insurance Council of New Zealand spokesperson Patrick O’Meara recommends installing an alarm as a deterrent. “And don’t leave valuables on display or easily visible from windows,” he says. Busy in the backyard? Ensure the front door is locked and windows are secured. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to nip inside and help themselves to your phone or wallet. Tuck car or house keys away out of sight – instead of in a dish on the hall table – and find a clever place to stash valuables like cash and jewellery. Make leaving spare keys under a plant pot a thing of the past – use a hidden key safe instead or switch to keyless entry.
Take a look at your home and consider how you might gain access if you lost your keys – it’s a great way to identify vulnerable spots. A strong front door with a heavy-duty lock like a deadbolt can be a good burglar deterrent; just make sure it can be opened easily from the inside in case of fire. Keeping doors, windows, fences and side access gates in good repair should be high on your security checklist, too. Fit window locks, consider installing security screens and trim tree branches and shrubs that could assist entry to an upper window, or provide a hiding place.
Lock away in the shed or garage any tools or items such as ladders that might assist a break-in and invest in a lockable letterbox – stolen mail can lead to identity theft. Ensure that valuables in the yard are out of sight and preferably locked away in a shed or storage area, says Steve Swinfield of Master Lock: “Ideally, the storage area and/or valuable items should be secured by high-quality security devices including padlocks, bike locks, cables, chains, and hasps and staples.”
Crunchy gravel around the house can deliver an audible alert that someone is approaching – as can a dog! But remember that a larger pet door can also provide access to a two-legged intruder, so make sure it is securable.
Smart fittings can be a useful tool in your home security armoury. Mark Fletcher at Ring says integrating a smart security set-up into your home ecosystem is the best and most convenient way to help protect what you care about most. Smart devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with attributes such as remote access and motion detection that can tell the difference between an animal or human-sized intruder. Security cameras are an easy D.I.Y. addition, says the team at Grid Connect: “Rechargeable weather-resistant cameras ensure you can keep an eye on what is happening around your property. For renters, positioning a camera inside on a windowsill can provide a view of outside the home, without having to contact a property manager.”
Outdoor lighting can be an underrated deterrent to intruders, says Tegan Hamilton, Bunnings national security and general hardware buyer. “Lighting can be low cost or include options with cameras,” she says.
Pilfering parcels off the doorstep has become popular with opportunistic thieves. Avoid this by having packages delivered to a post office but, if they’re arriving at home, be clear with delivery instructions – if/where they can be left and if a receiver’s signature is required. Parcels sitting on a doorstep for days are a clear sign no-one’s home. “I recommend adjusting or postponing regular subscriptions and deliveries so it doesn’t appear your home is unoccupied for any length of time,” says Mark Fletcher. “If unexpected deliveries occur, a video doorbell is an easy way to ask the delivery person to put the package in a secure location.”
Empty homes can be targets for break and enter so, if you can’t get a reliable friend or relative to house-sit, think about how to make your home look occupied when you’re travelling. An obvious precaution before you leave is to walk through the house and ensure all windows and doors are securely locked. Make arrangements for your garden to be kept neat and tidy, suggests Steve Swinfield. “And ask a neighbour to regularly check the property and collect emptied bins and any mail,” he says. Importantly, don’t announce travel plans on social media or post travel stories while away.
There are usually more goodies to be grabbed around holiday time. If the worst happens, make sure your insurance will cover any losses. “Let your insurance company know if you are going to be away from your house for a long period, if you have friends staying there while you’re away or if you are planning to list your home with services such as Airbnb or Bookabach,” says Patrick O’Meara. He also advises checking your house, contents and vehicle policies are up-to-date and not due to run out while you’re away. Make a detailed list of possessions, including serial/model numbers, take photos and mark ‘big ticket’ items with a code or name to prove ownership. “Review your cover after Christmas to ensure any new valuables you may have been given are covered,” adds Patrick.
Get the lowdown on outdoor security lighting.
Photo credits: Alex Reinders
