Security tips for your home and belongings as criminals go on the prowl

King Price Insurance’s claims patterns for break-ins and robberies from 2021 to 2023 show a clear spike over the festive season, which means it is no time to neglect your home security measures.

Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price, offered these reminders for the festive season:

Boost your security: If you have all the security measures in place, make sure you put them to use every single time you leave your home. This means locking all doors, windows and gates, and activating the alarm and the electric fence (which should be armed at all times). Do a quick scan of your property to make sure any tools that could be used to break in are securely stashed away.

Look after visitors: Remind guests who are parking on the street to check that their cars are safely locked and no items are visible so there is no motive to break in.

Safeguard items being targeted: Solar panels, gas canisters and gate motors top the list of things stolen from properties most often in 2024. Disconnect gas bottles and store them out of sight and reach, and make sure your panels and motors are difficult to remove.

Talk to your neighbours: A major reason for crime in residential areas is a lack of communication between neighbours. If you’re heading out of town without a house-sitter, tell your security company, neighbourhood watch and neighbours so they can keep an eye out.

Inform sitters of responsibilities and liabilities: If you have a house- or pet-sitter while you’re away, make sure they know your security system, passwords and lock-up procedure, and communicate with them regularly. Marius Kemp, head of personal lines underwriting at Santam, adds that you should always check references and clarify responsibilities upfront.

“The sitter needs to be aware of any liability they may have, such as failing to activate the alarm or lock up properly.”

Create the illusion of being home: Ask a friend or family member to pop in and out regularly so that your home is not vacant for long periods, and use timers or smart devices to switch lights on and off at different times.

Keep it to yourself: ’Tis the season for big purchases. Don’t leave shopping in plain view in your car, and don’t leave the packaging from expensive items such as TVs on the pavement for recyclers to collect.

Be cautious with social media: It’s always tempting to share your holiday snaps, but ensure your posts are set to “private” and rather share the pics when you are safely home.

Renting out your home for the holidays: Kemp recommends that you notify your insurer and check the policy conditions re­­garding renting out your property. The policy may exclude cover for malicious damage or theft when your private residence is rented out, which means the tenant or anyone linked or ­connected to the tenant will be responsible for any damages or loss caused to your property. DM

This story first appeared in our weekly Daily Maverick 168 newspaper, which is available countrywide for R35.