Selwyn Times: December 18, 2019
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14<br />
Your guide to all things Real Estate<br />
in the <strong>Selwyn</strong> District<br />
Securing your home<br />
these holidays<br />
There have been a number of burglaries<br />
and thefts in the district more recently.<br />
This emphasises the need to secure your<br />
property when away as well as when<br />
home.<br />
Assets can be replaceable, treasured<br />
keepsakes conveying irreplaceable<br />
memories, not so. Motor vehicles and<br />
electronics are often the target but it is<br />
surprising what a thief will take.<br />
The thought of someone entering our<br />
home is unsettling, the mess and damage<br />
left behind a real hassle. Even when well<br />
insured, there is a cost: the excess, loss of<br />
a no claim bonus; write-down of an asset’s<br />
value; the inconvenience of no wheels or<br />
other possessions; the wait time before<br />
insurance pay out; and the time involved<br />
in looking for replacement items.<br />
These are good reasons to make our<br />
homes as secure as possible. The adage: ‘if<br />
they want to get in, they will’ is true yet<br />
some thieves are opportunistic, looking<br />
for easy targets.<br />
Simple ways to secure your home<br />
and vehicles are:<br />
• Lock your house and garage when going<br />
out, heading away or at home.<br />
• Keep vehicles locked when in the<br />
driveway or on the street, never leaving<br />
the keys in them and ensuring valuables,<br />
bags or other tempting items are hidden.<br />
• Shut all windows at night and when<br />
going out or away; especially those<br />
accessible from the street.<br />
• Activate any alarm system keeping<br />
the codes confidential. Never share<br />
the master code. Set temporary codes<br />
for guests and when issuing a key to a<br />
neighbour or trusted tradesperson.<br />
• Padlock sheds with all tools inside so<br />
they cannot be used for breaking-in.<br />
• Lock firearms in an out-of-the-way<br />
place then secure the key in a separate<br />
location.<br />
• Organise a house sitter or ask a<br />
neighbour, family member or friend to<br />
keep an eye on your property and clear<br />
the letterbox. Alternatively, put a stop on<br />
your mail with NZ Post.<br />
• If away longer than two weeks, arrange<br />
for a neighbour or contractor to mow<br />
the lawns.<br />
• Secure the spa and swimming pools,<br />
locking covers or draining them.<br />
More serious ways to protect your<br />
home include:<br />
• Fitting sensor lights.<br />
• Installing lockable security doors.<br />
• Installing an alarm system.<br />
• Installing security surveillance cameras<br />
like those where you can download an<br />
APP onto your cell phone so you can<br />
remotely view your home while away.<br />
These are ideal when you are not likely<br />
to have power or Internet access.<br />
• Fit an automated irrigation system on<br />
a timer, programming it to turn on<br />
each day. This will give the impression<br />
someone is home and keep your plants<br />
healthy.<br />
Burglaries can be opportunist due to<br />
lax security. Locking doors and windows<br />
helps. Setting the alarm is common sense<br />
– if the facility is there, why not use it.<br />
Adopting other security measures can<br />
be worth the effort and might keep your<br />
home safe over the holidays.<br />
Fit an automated<br />
irrigation system.<br />
Arrange to have<br />
your lawns mowed.<br />
Keep your home & vehicles locked.
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