Keeping your home safe when you go away

Burglars target home that appear empty, so the easiest way to thwart them is to make your home appear busy and lived-in. There are some easy ways to make your home appear inhabited.

Use timers to turn on and off lights, televisions and sound systems.

Never leave an answer machine message indicating that you are not at home.

Make arrangements with your neighbour or a friend to come by while you are away to ensure that your mail, newspaper or flyers don’t accumulate.

A home without rubbish shows burglars no-one is at home. Ask a neighbour to put rubbish in your bin whilst you are away.

Leave your curtains slightly parted so your house doesn’t have an empty look.

Make sure that you cancel any deliveries that might be left outside and indicate that the home is empty, such us milk or newspaper deliveries.

Be sure to leave a car in your driveway while you are away.

Have someone mow your lawn or rake leaves if you are going to be away for a while.

Avoid discussing your holidays plans with strangers; you never know who they might pass the information onto.

Don’t forget to set your burglar alarm!