With Christmas and the holidays fast approaching, now is a good time to remind everyone to plan ahead and ensure their home is safe and secure, so that you, hopefully, don’t become a victim of opportunistic crime.

There are a number of simple tips to increase home safety during the holiday season.

Things to do before your holidays:
• If you know your neighbours well, let them know of your holiday plans.
• Notify Police of the dates you will be away and the contact details of a key holder.
• Arrange for Australia Post to hold or redirect your mail, or request a neighbour or friend to collect your mail.
• Cancel newspaper deliveries or, if you receive free newspapers, get them collected.
• Arrange for someone to mow your lawn and water your garden.
• Consider installing automatic timing devices for lights, radios and televisions.
• Engrave all your valuables with your Driver’s Licence number. Engravers can be purchased quite cheaply from your local hardware shop.

Whenever you’re away:
• Lock all doors and windows securely.
• Turn down the ringing volume on your telephone.
• Make sure all vehicles left at home are properly secured.
• Lock up garden tools and ladders and other items which could be used to gain entry into your home.
• Try not to advertise your holiday on social media sites or Sell Swap & Buy sites.
• Don’t leave house keys concealed inside or outside, leave them with a trusted neighbour or friend.