Keeping your home safe while away on holiday
Armed response security company, Blue Security says KwaZulu-Natal homeowners who are getting ready to embark on an extended holiday - should test their home alarm systems, and check their CCTV cameras to ensure that they're in good working condition.
Stats South Africa's Victims of Crime Survey has recorded 188 383 cases of housebreaking incidents in KwaZulu-Natal during the 2017/2018 period.
While countrywide, 832 122 incidences of housebreaking or burglary took place in 2017/18, affecting 4,25% of households. This is an increase of 7% from the 2016/17 cycle.
Blue Security's Andreas Mathios has been speaking to Newswatch about ensuring the safety of vacant homes during the festive period.
"We're advising you to be part of a neighbourhood network so that people who live next door to you, and around your premises will be able to access your premises. We strongly advise that those networks are well established and everyone knows exactly what to do when there's an emergency," Mathios said.
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Mathios meanwhile says pets should also not be forgotten.
"People go away for New Years' Eve and there are fireworks displays. The poor dogs are left at home traumatised. There are a lot of animal lovers in the Durban community. If you want to keep your dog out of the trauma zone then someones needs to be with the dogs at the time. We encourage people to make use of accredited dog-loving people who will look after your home and your pets for you."
Find additional tips for homeowners below.
- Ensure that CCTV cameras near your home are working - they should be positioned in a way that shows the views inside and outside your property.
- Get your post collected and your mailbox cleared on a regular basis.
- Ensure that there are no holes or open spaces in your paremeter fence or wall.
- Ask your neighbour to keep an eye on your home - and to report any suspicious activity.