Emma Pritchard
While most Clarence Valley residents are excitedly planning to take some time off over Christmas and during the summer school holidays, criminals are opportunistically planning to take advantage of their absence.
Kurt Petersen of Yamba Locksmiths said the arrival of the festive season also brings a spike in the number of break-ins and burglaries reported across the region.
And he is urging locals to take additional precautions to protect their property and their valuables.
Mr Petersen, who has more than 15 years industry experience, said ensuring your garage door is never left open, checking and double checking to make sure all of your doors and windows are secure, and the locks are working properly, having a spare set of keys available, and making sure deadbolts are correctly in place will help to keep your home secure during one of the busiest times of the year.
“Even if you’re staying home during the holidays, you need to make sure your property is secure,” he said.
“Thieves are opportunists.
“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.
“Unfortunately, this is the time of year where crimes 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 residents check their insurance is up to date, and they are adequately covered.
“A lot of insurance companies will also recommend properties have deadbolts, so I’d really urge people to make sure they comply with their policies,” he said.
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 happy to cut spare sets of keys for customers and 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.
“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.”
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