How to holiday proof your home

Last year, there were 39,000 reported home burglaries in New Zealand, many of them over the holiday period when the home owners were away at family festivities or on holiday. Here are 5 tips on making sure your home doesn’t become a statistic this summer, including some ingenious new gadgets you may not have seen before.

Tip #1: Install deadlocks and window latches

Fix It Ezine December 2013

Deadlocks on your exterior doors and security latches on your windows are an effective deterrent for burglars because they make it harder to get out as well as in – and that’s a vital factor when you’re trying to make off with someone’s big-screen TV.

Tip #2: Install an obvious burglar alarm

We say obvious because your home is not Fort Knox and it is impossible to keep someone out who really wants to get in – but home security is all about deterrence. Experienced burglars can size your home up in about ten seconds – and don’t forget that these days they have the added advantage of being able to use Google Earth to scope you out before they even come near your property. But like all of us, burglars like to make their job easier for themselves – and they tend to avoid homes that are obviously alarmed.

Tip #3: Make your house look lived in

Here’s our first ingenious new gadget. The Pintofeed allows you to leave your pet at home if you’re only going to be away for a short time. You can set it for automatic or use your smartphone app to deliver a measured amount of food. Other ways to make your home look lived in even when it’s not are to get the neighbours to clear your mailbox and use a timer or another smartphone device to turn your inside lights and TV on and off. If you’re going to be away for a while, you might want to consider getting a housesitter in.

Tip #4: Hide your valuable stuff

It’s amazing how many people leave their expensive TVs, computers and other technology in full view through their windows – because, of course, closed curtains would be a dead giveaway that you’re away, wouldn’t they? Dust covers are out of the question, too – they just make your stuff seem more intriguing and worth having. But you don’t need to go to the expense of a safe. Like all of us, burglars like to spend as little time as possible in their place of work, and they’re unlikely to take the time or trouble to look for your stuff if it’s hidden away somewhere that’s not obvious – such as under a bed.

Tip #5: Invest in some smart security

You can get security systems now that enable you to monitor and manage your home from anywhere in the world through your mobile device. The most advanced systems even allow you to open and close your curtains remotely. But if you’re looking for something a little lighter on the pocket, the iDoorCam WiFi pictured here enables you to view anyone who rings your doorbell, while inside, the Pure DAB Radio Wi-Fi Camera (spyshop.co.uk ) may look like an ordinary radio, but secretly keeps tabs on intruders with a night-vision cam.