You’ve worked hard all year towards the holidays and the last thing that you want is for somebody to break into your home to take what belongs to you and your family. Whilst Oneplan can protect you after the event of a burglary, we also want to play a part in protecting you through providing preventative tips about the home security you should have in place!
Any observant South African will know that this year has been particularly tough economically and financially for the vast majority. This means that come Christmas time, there are going to be a lot of desperate people and whilst this does not condone crime, it helps us to understand where it’s coming from and what we can do to prevent it happening to you.
All the home security measures to put in place over the festive season
Burglar Alarms
If you haven’t already, you need to install an alarm system into your home. Not only is this a good move for your insurance policy but if your alarm is visible, it will deter anybody from even trying to break in.
If somebody still intrudes into your home, your alarm will hopefully push them to leave as quickly as possible and will alert the authorities and your neighbours that something is wrong. Burglar alarms are great for when you are on holiday because you will be alerted if they go off and you can send somebody to look at your home.
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Security Cameras
Similar to burglar alarms, security cameras have been proven to be a deterrent for thieves when they are choosing a home to target. Having cameras that have a full view of the road, your gate, garden and front door is a no-brainer during the holiday season.
With today’s technology, you also have the option of being able to see what the camera is seeing through your cell phone – just in case you want to check if your plants are being watered or if somebody is creeping around your property.
Keep it off the socials
Don’t be one of those people this December who post endless braggy pictures of your fabulous holiday. Firstly, it makes other people feel like their lives aren’t good enough and secondly, it can alert potential thieves to when you won’t be in the home. Keep your posting for after the fact and look back on your memories fondly.
Naively, people believe that burglars are spontaneous creatures that don’t use technology or plan ahead. Criminals are on the internet and are keeping their eyes and ears open for when homes are left empty. Post your vacation pics after the fact and keep yourself and your home safe!
Get a house sitter
There are plenty of reliable people available who would be happy to look after your home. Not only would they look after your pets, plants and general housekeeping but they would be a steady presence in your home that would deter break-ins.
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Keep gift deliveries on the down-low
If you have constant deliveries coming into your home, whether it be holiday gifts or other items, this is a bright red signal for robbers saying “Hey! There’s tons of cool stuff in there for me to take. Easy game.”
If you are expecting deliveries, try and make them quick. Also ensure that if you have made a big purchase like a television or computer, break down the packaging that it came in instead of leaving it on the pavement for all to see.
Role Play
Time to play cops and robbers – grown-up edition. Seriously, this is a good idea! Lock yourself out of your house and see how long it takes you to break in and enter. Lock your doors, windows and begin outside your gate. See how long it takes you to knit pick your way into your home.
If you can’t get in, you can breathe a little easier. However, remember you are not (we hope) a mastermind criminal and maybe don’t know the tricks of the trade, so this exercise is merely a chance to see how your other precautions come into play.
Make sure you are insured (we can make that happen)
Last but not least, it would be irresponsible to assume that because you have home security precautions in place that you can leave your home uninsured. If things go wrong during the festive season or whilst you’re away, you want your house contents to be covered.
Make sure that your policies are up to date and that you have informed your insurer you will be away and what that means in the event of a break-in. This way you can have peace of mind knowing that when stuff does hit the fan, at least you will be financially compensated for your material loss.
From Oneplan, we trust you will have a prosperous end to the year and start the new season with a bang.
Yor Insurance Family,
Oneplan
