Over the Christmas break, many of us will be travelling throughout the state visiting family and spending time with loved ones.
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Now is a great time to make sure you have security measures in place to keep your home secure.
Holiday home safety and security tips:
Let a trusted neighbour or family friend know of your whereabouts and contact details. Ask them to watch your home, empty your mailbox, mow your lawn and, most importantly, call Triple Zero (000) if they notice anything suspicious, or if a smoke alarm is activated.
Dispose of Christmas wrapping and delivery/goods packaging carefully. Don't advertise your new valuables to would-be thieves.
Lock away your handyman/gardening tools, which may be used to force open doors or windows, and any item that may be used to gain access to the property or cause damage.
Record descriptions, models and serial numbers of your valuables and then put them somewhere safe.
Switch off and disconnect non-essential electrical appliances and IT equipment.
Ensure any electrical items you decide to leave on continuously, or on timer circuits, are in good working order - that includes lights left on to deter thieves both inside and outside.
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Make sure that any lights you have left switched on are away from combustibles such as curtains and are of the right wattage to prevent overheating.
Switch off and empty clothes dryers before you leave.
Close all internal doors before you leave to help contain any fire that occurs.
Pay bills in advance including electricity, gas, water, and telephone so that your supply continues while you're away.
Avoid posting information about being away on holidays because thieves will often use this information to target properties.
Be sure your home and contents insurance is adequate and up to date.
Check your doors, windows and garage are locked securely, and remove spare keys from hiding places. As you leave, check everything again.
Finally, if you have a home security alarm, activate it.
If your home has been broken into:
Call your local police station immediately.
Don't touch anything. Let police see your home exactly as the thief left it.
While you are waiting for police to arrive, compile a list of what you think is missing; include brand names, model numbers, serial numbers, accurate descriptions and any engraving details.
Wishing everyone a safe and festive Christmas from the Hume Police District.
