Natasha Morgan, home security expert and founder of My Home Watch. Picture: Supplied.
HOME burglaries are unsettling at any time, but with the holiday season approaching, experts are warning of the potential for a sharp rise in such crimes.
According to home security expert Natasha Morgan, founder of My Home Watch, the lead-up to the holiday season was a busy time for most households — with all those holidays, celebrations and parties meaning homes could be susceptible to break-ins.
Summer is expected to bring on more gatherings outside of the home.
She has a six-point checklist for homeowners to consider before they leave their homes unattended.
Maintain your gardens and lawn
Tighten your security
Your locks, deadlocks, screens, security doors and shutters are not just for show — use them, she said. “Police see so many people thinking if their garage door is locked they don’t need to deadlock the door leading into their home or windows and screens left opened and unlocked.” A good way to check security was to get a local locksmith in to advise where improvements could be made.
Police say locks are only good if you actually use.
Let there be light
Timer lighting or motion-activated lighting help make a house look lived-in. “A well-lit house is far less attractive to a criminal than a dark, empty-looking house.”
Don’t tell every man and their dog you’re leaving
Before spreading the word about your holiday, “stop, slow down and really think about what kind of repercussions it could have to the security of your home”. Co-ordinate with a property specialist over who will be required to have access to your home.
Co-ordinate with a property specialist over who will have access to your property while you’re away.
Consider installing security cameras
Smart devices are significantly cheaper these days, ”from doorbells with cameras inside of them to wire-free smart home security systems that are set up in ten minutes and you self-monitor through your mobile phones”. She said putting security cameras in and around a home should be a high priority.
Make the changes
She said make the changes to your home if you have been broken into before. “Thieves looked for no cars in the driveway, no lights on in the evening, no response to a knock on the door, rubbish bins left out, piled up mail in the mailbox or similar indications that no one was at home.”
https://www.realestate.com.au/news/home-breakin-warning-issued-for-the-coming-holiday-season/
