The festive season is less than two weeks away and it is more important than ever to be aware of your surroundings and not become complacent with the security of your family and home.

Remember, Santa is not the only one that is busy at this time of the year nor is he the only one who is making a list and checking it twice! The holiday season is the busiest time of the year for criminals, they are out there working out when you and your family are going away on holidays and what new presents you have bought “them” for Christmas!

If you are going away this festive season, try and have someone collect your mail so that it does not pile up in your letterbox and alert would-be criminals that no one is home and if possible invest in a time-switch to set some of the lights in your house to come on and off during the evening periods.

The premier national body for the Australian Security Industry; ASIAL have prepared their top five home security tips for the holiday season; they include:

1. Invest in a home security safe: We all keep important documents as well as cash and jewelry in our homes; invest in a home security safe and lock these possession away. It is preferable to purchase a safe that can be “secured or concealed, and is fire and flood resistant.”

2. Get a home security alarm system: Alarms with visible external sirens can act as a great deterrent and by connecting your alarm to a back to base monitoring station this will ensure a prompt response, giving you peace of mind that your property is being looked after when you are away on holidays.

3. Install sensor lights: Criminals are unlikely to come and knock at your front door, so it important that you aware if someone is approaching your home at night. Installing sensor lights can help deter criminals and alert you that someone is approaching your home.

4. Always lock the front door: With the weather heating up, we are more likely to keep our windows open and our doors unlocked, especially during the Christmas period when we are expecting our family and friends to come over or we simply are popping over to our neighbours. This is the opportunity that the criminals are looking for, that invitation to come into your home and take your possessions. Always ensure that your windows and doors are locked no matter how briefly you are away.

5. Don’t leave spare keys outside: Remember you do not know who is watching you when you place or use that spare key that you keep by that pot plant or under the mat. Leaving a spare key with your trusted neighbour is always a safer option. And…do not leave your keys or handbag lying around or near an unlocked door or open window, the criminals would love to drive off in your car or keep a copy of your key to use at a later time.

Stay safe and secure this holiday season and please stay tuned to our website for all the latest news and projects.