Emma Pritchard

Kurt Petersen of Yamba Locksmiths is urging Clarence Valley residents and visitors to the region to stay safe and take preventative steps to ensure their homes are secure and their precious valuables are well protected during the Christmas and New Year period.

With the number of break and enters and break and enter attempts once again expected to increase during the busiest time of the year when many families and couples go travelling over the Christmas and New Year period, Mr Petersen said many opportunistic thieves take advantage of empty residences.

With close to 20 years industry experience, Mr Petersen said it is important to ensure your garage door is never left open and exposing your personal belongings to passers-by, and always check and double check to make sure all of your doors and windows are secure, the locks work properly, and you have a spare set of keys available.

He also suggests properties be adequately protected by deadbolts which are properly fitted, adding a lot of insurance companies also make this recommendation when establishing new policies.

Mr Petersen also recommends residents check their insurance is up to date as the summer holidays approach, and their most treasured possessions are covered.

Offering prompt and reliable service for residential and commercial clients in the Clarence Valley, Yamba Locksmiths specialise in the repair and installation of keyless locks and safes, and Mr Petersen is also more than happy to cut spare sets of keys for customers, make new keys for “anything people don’t have locks for.”

“If you have any locks which need fixing or replacing, now is the time to do it,” he said.

“If there are any windows or doors which don’t secure properly, or any window latches or gauze which can be easily accessed, I’d definitely recommend having them repaired and replaced.

“By taking a few steps to help keep your home secure, it gives you peace of mind while you’re away so you can enjoy your holiday.”

Even Clarence Valley residents who are staying home during the summer holidays are being strongly encouraged to ensure they are well protected against thieves.

“If people are having fun out in their backyard, they need to make sure the front of their property is locked, everything is secured, and valuables are not left in plain sight,” Mr Petersen said.

“Unfortunately, this is the time of year where crime goes through the roof, and it’s important people do what they can to reduce the risk of being targeted by thieves.”

Mr Petersen also recommends Clarence Valley residents invest in home security systems.

“Wireless home security systems specifically are a really good investment as they’re reasonably cheap to buy and they can easily be installed,” he said.

“They would also make pretty good Christmas presents this year as well.

“A lot of them can also be linked to mobile phones so the owners receive alerts when movements are detected on their property.

“There are quite a few Clarence Valley residents who have invested in them recently, and when most would-be-thieves see cameras, it does deter them.

“I’d suggest installing them (cameras) over garages, front doors, and near the main entrance points to your property.

“Sensor lights are also good additions to have, and they can also deter potential thieves.”

Yamba Locksmiths are also happy to provide obligation free quotes to help Clarence Valley residents feel safe and secure.

“By taking little steps to be precautionary, it can save you a big hassle, and a big bill,” Mr Petersen said.

Other tips to keep your property and valuables safe during the holidays:

• Never share your travel movements on social media. If your account is hacked, your information is compromised, and more people will be aware of your absence.
• Move outdoor furniture away from windows as thieves will often use it to help them gain access to your property.
• If you have friends or family nearby, ask them to visit your property while you are away and collect any mail which may be delivered during your absence.
• Set timers on in different rooms and at various times throughout the evening.
• Don’t leave your keys outside under the doormat, or in any location which is not secure.
• Ensure all security cameras are working properly.
• If you have a motor home, ensure the locks, doors, and windows are secure and working properly.
• Park your motor home in a secure area and check if campgrounds have CCTV, and park in clear, well-lit locations if possible.
• Use a steering wheel lock on your motor home when it is unattended.
• Ensure your motor home has a working alarm.