December holidays are a busy time for burglars. Plan your home security before you leave.
Many homes in Cape Town stand empty for days or weeks over December. Criminals know this and look for signs that nobody is home. A few simple steps before you go can make your home a much harder target.
1. Do not announce your trip online
Post holiday photos after you get back, not while the house is empty. Check your privacy settings and remind your family not to post travel plans publicly either.
2. Ask a neighbour to help
Someone can collect post, move the bins and make the house look lived in. Exchange phone numbers so they can reach you quickly if they notice anything unusual.
3. Use timers on lights
Lights that switch on in the evening make the home look occupied. Smart plugs and timer switches are cheap and easy to set up for lamps and outside lights.
4. Test your alarm and beams
Make sure your alarm, beams and panic buttons work before you go. Also make sure your armed response company has up-to-date contact details for you and a key holder.
5. Lock away valuables
Keep electronics, jewellery and documents out of sight or in a safe. Take photos of valuable items and keep a list of serial numbers in case you need to make a claim.
6. Consider a guard or patrols
A guard on site, even for the holiday period only, is a strong deterrent. Booking early is a good idea, as demand for guards goes up in December.
Quick checklist
- Do not announce your trip online
- Ask a neighbour to help
- Use timers on lights
- Test your alarm and beams
- Lock away valuables
- Consider a guard or patrols
Holiday guarding
We offer short-term guarding over the festive season for homes, businesses and complexes. Contact us early to book holiday guarding before the busy season.
Talk to Plambo Projects
Request a free quote, call or WhatsApp +27 61 499 1168 or +27 64 523 6703, or email info@plamboprojects.co.za. We beat any written quote.