The Easter holidays are a great time to get away with the family. Unfortunately, this means they’re also a prime time for burglars to target your unoccupied home. Here are seven simple ways to deter uninvited guests from entering your property these holidays – sorry Easter Bunny!
Get this: in 2017 there were 225,900 recorded burglaries in Australia. That’s one every three minutes.
As we all know, the holiday season is a prime time for burglars to strike as it’s much more likely that you’ll be far, far away from your property.
And let’s be honest – with the holidays only a few days away it’s probably a little too late to install a state-of-the-art home security system.
So here are seven simple last-minute strategies you can implement to deter burglars.
1. Lock up properly
Ok, we admit this one sounds awfully simple, but according to a 2015 study of people who were pinged for break and enter offences, the number one reason a house was targeted (70%) was that homeowners left windows or doors unlocked.
And it makes sense when you think about how rushed holidaymakers can get.
For example, it’s all-too-easy for one family member to lock the back door, and then another to remember at the last minute that they forgot their surfboard in the back shed, and then neglect to lock the door on their way back through.
Therefore, the very last thing you should always do before driving away on holidays is to conduct one last double check of the house to ensure every window and door is locked and, where possible, dead-bolted.
2. Install a smart security camera (or a fake one!)
The last thing a burglar wants is their crime caught on camera. Thus, installing a security camera or two around the outside of your premises can act as a strong deterrent.
You can pick up a smart camera for about $160 and view all the footage online.
If the budget is a bit tight, you can buy an imitation camera for $14. It won’t record and catch the criminal in the act, but it might deter them from taking the risk in the first place.
3. Beware of the dog
Man’s best friend is a burglar’s worst nightmare.
For about $10 you can buy a ‘beware of the dog sign‘ and scare away any burglars who fear our furry friends.
Now, obviously it won’t work with all burglars, but here’s what a four-time convicted burglar had to say: “That ‘Beware of Dog’ sign? Not even going near it”.
Go all-in on your bluff by buying a large dog bowl for $10 and putting it under a tap near the side gate.
4. Motion sensing outdoor lights
Picture this. It’s the dead of the night and you’re a burglar edging your way around the backyard of an unknown premises when, all of a sudden, a spotlight turns on and lights up your immediate area.
What would you do?
Now, I’m definitely no mastermind cat burglar, but if I were, I’d hightail it straight out of there!
You can buy a sensor security light that operates on solar for $73, or ones that run off the grid for $27. Both take about 15 to 20 minutes to set up.
5. Know what burglars are targeting
Below is a list of the top ten items most likely to be stolen by burglars, according to insurer Budget Direct.
The good news is that most of these items are quite small so they can be locked up in a home safe, or tucked away in a nice secure hiding spot (just not under the mattress!).
1. Cash
2. Laptops
3. Jewellery
4. Cameras
5. Phones
6. Wallets, handbags, purses
7. Identification documents
8. Televisions
9. Computer and video game equipment
10. Watches
6. Ensure your home and contents insurance is up-to-date
This will take about 15 to 30 minutes but it will definitely be worth your while, should a burglar strike.
Call up your insurance provider, or check your email, to ensure your policy is still in place and that you’re adequately insured.
If you’re not happy with your current policy, spend a bit of time comparing what else is on the market.
You might even save yourself a few dollars to help pay off some of the other tips on this list!
7. Say g’day to your neighbour
Before you leave for your holiday be sure to pop around to your neighbour’s place and let them know you’ll be away for a little while.
If they’re not going away themselves, ask them to keep an eye on your place while you’re gone, and to ensure your letterbox doesn’t overflow with mail.
Have a great holiday!
Whether you’re heading to your favourite local campground, travelling interstate, jet-setting overseas, or simply unwinding around the house, we hope you’ve got a great break lined up!
If there’s anything you need from us when you get back, please get in touch, we’d love to help out!
Disclaimer: The content of this article is general in nature and is presented for informative purposes. It is not intended to constitute financial advice, whether general or personal nor is it intended to imply any recommendation or opinion about a financial product. It does not take into consideration your personal situation and may not be relevant to circumstances. Before taking any action, consider your own particular circumstances and seek professional advice. This content is protected by copyright laws and various other intellectual property laws. It is not to be modified, reproduced or republished without prior written consent.
