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WHETHER you are preparing to enjoy a weekend away or an extended break, leaving behind a home that’s clearly unattended can invite unwanted attention from would-be burglars.
Thankfully, there are some cheap and easy ways to secure your property so you don’t have to spend your hard-earned holiday time worrying about what is happening back home.
Tips from the Real Estate Institute of WA (REIWA) include;
Use timed lights and motion detectors: Motion detectors installed to your porch light can deter unwanted guests and draw the attention of friendly neighbours. Attaching a timer to a lamp in a front room avoids lighting up the whole house and conserves energy.
Tidy up the garden before you leave: Unruly gardens are a giveaway that you are not home, especially if you are away for longer than a week or so. Mow the lawn and trim bushes that obscure the neighbours’ view of the house.
Pack away furniture or equipment that could be used to help break into a house.
Also, make sure any packaging for big ticket items like televisions is thrown away so you are not placing temptation in the way of potential thieves.
Ask a friend/neighbour to collect the mail: A letterbox overflowing with junk mail can be an obvious sign you are not home. If you cannot organise someone to get your mail, ask Australia Post to place it on hold until you return.
Don’t overshare: It can be tempting to post holiday snaps on social media but advertising you will not be home may also be an invitation for an intruder looking for a target.
Check in: Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to regularly check your house for security and maintenance issues. Renters may wish to let their property managers know they will be away, in case any unexpected issues occur.
Another useful tip is to leave the answering machine on but to turn the phone volume down so would-be intruders do not hear it ringing out.
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Obviously the lock it before you leave principle applies to motor vehicles too.
Valuables left in vehicles are easy targets for thieves, especially in deserted car parks. Park in well-lit areas and remove visible items to help keep them safe. This includes detachable car radios and GPS equipment.
Even if you have just pulled up at the service station for a few minutes, close your windows and lock your doors when you leave your car.
Opportunistic thieves can and do steal valuables from inside vehicles, and, indeed make off in the vehicles themselves in the short time it takes you to walk in and pay for your petrol.