Emma Pritchard

While Christmas is a joyous occasion, and the summer school holidays are one of the best times of the year to travel and meet up with loved ones, it’s also a peak period for residential break-ins as opportunistic thieves take advantage of unoccupied properties.

NSW Police are encouraging homeowners to be vigilant, and to help reduce the risk of crimes occurring by taking preventative steps to ensure their properties are secure and their belongings are well protected during their absence.

Top tips to keep your home safe and secure:

• Make sure locks on your doors and windows are functional and no windows are left open.
• If you have security cameras, ensure they are working properly before you leave.
• Set timers on your interior and exterior lights.
• Move outdoor furniture away from windows as thieves will often use it to help them gain access to your residence.
• Do not share your travel movements on social media. If your account is hacked, your information and updates will be compromised. Be mindful of how much you post online.
• Ask friends or family who live nearby to visit your property at regular intervals.
• Don’t leave your spare keys in any outdoor location which is not secure.
• Ask a friend or relative to collect your mail, or put your bins out and bring them back in.
• Keep your garden and lawn neat and tidy. An unkempt outdoor area can often indicate that the residence is empty.
• Employ a house sitter to look after your property. This is also a great option to consider if you have pets or a garden to look after and maintain.
• Do not leave cash inside your home.
• Suspend any home deliveries you may regularly receive during your absence.
• Ensure other buildings on your property including garages or garden sheds are secure.
• Avoid leaving your answering machine on and lower the volume of your phone.
• Keep any valuables well-hidden and in a secure location.