Selwyn Times: May 12, 2021

Your guide to all things Real Estate
in the Selwyn District
Securing your
home this winter
13
Being burgled is an invasion of your
private space, the place where you feel
most safe – your home. It’s important to
secure your property when away as well as
when home.
Assets can be replaceable, treasured
keepsakes conveying irreplaceable
memories, not so. Motor vehicles and
electronics are often the target but it is
surprising what a thief will take.
The thought of someone entering our
home is unsettling, the mess and damage
left behind a real hassle. Even when well
insured, there is a cost: the excess, loss of
a no claim bonus; write-down of an asset’s
value; the inconvenience of no wheels or
other possessions; the wait time before
insurance pay out; and the time involved
in looking for replacement items.
These are good reasons to make our
homes as secure as possible. The adage: ‘if
they want to get in, they will’ is true yet
some thieves are opportunistic, looking
for easy targets.
Simple ways to secure your
home and vehicles are:
• Lock your house and garage when going
out, heading away or at home.
• Keep vehicles locked when in the
driveway or on the street, never leaving
the keys in them and ensuring valuables,
bags or other tempting items are hidden.
• Shut all windows at night and when
going out or away; especially those
accessible from the street.
• Activate any alarm system keeping
the codes confidential. Never share
the master code. Set temporary codes
for guests and when issuing a key to a
neighbour or trusted tradesperson.
• Padlock sheds with all tools inside so
they cannot be used for breaking-in.
• Lock firearms in an out-of-the-way
place then secure the key in a separate
location.
• Organise a house sitter or ask a
neighbour, family member or friend to
keep an eye on your property and clear
the letterbox. Alternatively, put a stop on
your mail with NZ Post.
• If away longer than two weeks, arrange
for a neighbour or contractor to mow
the lawns.
• Secure the spa and swimming pools,
locking covers or draining them.
More serious ways to protect
your home include:
• Fitting sensor lights.
• Installing lockable security doors.
• Installing an alarm system.
• Installing security surveillance cameras
like those where you can download an
APP onto your cell phone so you can
remotely view your home while away.
These are ideal when you are not likely
to have power or Internet access.
• Fit an automated irrigation system on
a timer, programming it to turn on
each day. This will give the impression
someone is home and keep your plants
healthy.
Burglaries can be opportunist due to
lax security. Locking doors and windows
helps. Setting the alarm is common sense
– if the facility is there, why not use it.
Adopting other security measures can
be worth the effort and might keep your
home safe over the holidays.
Fit an automated
irrigation system.
Arrange to have
your lawns mowed.
Keep your home & vehicles locked.
Showhome
Guide
LOOKING FOR DESIGN INSPIRATION?
Visit one of our stunning showhomes to gather ideas for your dream home
Signature Homes
Faringdon
47 & 49 Lanner Drive, Rolleston
Both Open Wed to Sun 12pm-4pm
Show Room/Office:
31 Watts Road, Sockburn
Open Mon to Fri 9am - 5pm
0800 8444 88 or 03 342 7788
www.signature.co.nz
Faringdon, 47 Lanner Drive, Rolleston
SHOWHOMES
Both showhomes
Open Wed-Sun 12pm-4pm
Faringdon, 49 Lanner Drive, Rolleston
SHOWrOOM / OfficE
31 Watts Road, Sockburn
Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
0800 844 488
signature.co.nz