I love the summer holidays. Who doesn’t?! By the end of the year, with the added pressure and rush of Christmas, everyone is tired and hanging out for that sunny getaway - delicious morning lie-ins, BBQs and the beach. Unfortunately burglars love this time of year too; vacant homes with bonus Christmas gifts!
Don’t get caught out. You can seriously deter criminals from your home or rental property while away. Here’s some tips to help:
1. Keep Your Mailbox Clear
Arrange with NZ Post to hold your addressed mail for you, which they can do for up to 12 weeks, and put up a “No Circulars” sign on your letterbox – one that’s overflowing with junk mail is like a megaphone announcement to the world “Our House Is Unoccupied!”
2. Notify A Trusted Neighbour, or your Landlord
Your neighbours are your best line of defense so ask them to keep an eye on your house while you’re away, checking occasionally for obvious signs of your absence like a broken branch on the front path and clearing your mailbox if you haven’t done 1. above. It’s good to have a trusted person seen coming or going from your property on occasion, even parking their car in your driveway if possible. Leave an emergency contact number with them too.
3. Keep The Garden Tidy
Leave the property looking cared for (shrubs trimmed, rubbish removed, no pot plants left to die) and arrange for someone to mow your lawns if you’re away for more than a week or so – at this time of year the grass grows very quickly. A landlord or Property Manager that has been notified may even take care of this for you.
4. Keep Your Travel Plans Offline
Never make your holiday details known on social media or on your phone answering machine – this is perfect advertising for a thief!
5. Lock All Doors and Windows
Make sure all doors and windows are locked, using deadbolts if possible, securing those on an upper floor since thieves do have climbing skills! Lock the garage and shed too – they love to make use of your ladders, axes, hammers or saws to break into your house. Set alarms, or even buy signage of known security system brand logos to put up. Studies have shown that the majority of burglars will seek some other target altogether if they see a genuine security sign.
6. Leave Curtains/Blinds Open
Curtains closed during the day looks very suspiciously like no-one is home.
7. Be Sneaky
You can be sneaky too. Leave clear signs that can be a deterrent to a wood-be thief:
- Place a large pair of men’s work boots near the door (worn ones).
- Put a large dog bowl near the entrance, with water in it or looking a little dirty. Have a large leash or chewed toy nearby too.
8. Hide Christmas Gifts
Keep the temptation of attractive wrapped gifts away from windows or any places with a view, including the view of your decorated tree if you’re going to be away long after Christmas is over.
9. Check Your Smoke Alarms
It’s a good idea to check them monthly – if a replacement battery isn’t sufficient to keep them operational (all tenants are legally responsible for this) then make sure you contact your landlord or Property Manager immediately.
10. Turn Off All Appliances
Turn off all appliances, including Christmas lights, to avoid possible electrical fires. Check for frayed cords and loose connections while you’re at it and stop using those.
11. Turn Down Your Phone Ring Tone
Consistent, long, loud, unanswered rings give a clear message “No-one’s here"!
Leave all your rental cares and responsibilities to Dominion Property Management. Enjoy a well-earned rest and have heaps of holiday fun. Milk it for all it’s worth!
