The holiday season is all about relaxing, getting out of town and having fun with family and friends after a challenging year. However, while Kiwis look to slow down over the summer break burglars are at their busiest with the latest New Zealand Crime Statistics1 showing break-ins and burglaries are at their highest level in January.

 This is especially the case in larger cities where there are more burglaries per capita than in rural areas. An obviously vacant house is a prime opportunity for a vigilant would-be burglar which is why it’s so important to leave signs of life in and around your home when you’re away - and ideally put extra security measures in place. Here are some important tips to help safeguard your home while you are away holiday.

Have someone take care of your rubbish bins and mail
A bin left out on the road well after collection date, and a pile of uncollected mail and newspapers is a tell-tale sign to those with ill-intent that an occupant is away. Ask a neighbour to retrieve bins, collect mail for you and cancel newspaper subscriptions.

Get a house-sitter
Having a house-sitter is the best way to ward off criminals. They can also care for your pets and gardens while you’re away. If you can’t find someone to stay the whole time, ask a friend or neighbour to drop by as often as possible to open and close blinds to make the place look lived in.

Continue to make noise and light
Use low-cost automated timers to turn lights on and off during the evening and have a radio blaring music and a television on in the sitting room at certain times of the day to mimic someone being at home.

Watch the weeds
A long lawn and overgrown garden can often indicate an empty house. If you are about to head off on holidays, give your lawn a quick mow and prune back the bushes to keep it maintained while you are away. If you will be away for a long time, ask a neighbour to do this or hire a professional.

Ask your neighbour to park their car in your driveway
On of the simplest ways to telegraph you are at home is to have a car parked in your driveway. Ask a neighbour or family member to park their car in your driveway intermittently over the course of your holiday.

Don’t telegraph your absence.
Think first before posting holiday photos on your social media channels indicating you are away, especially if you have a large following. You can post when you return and will have more shots to choose from.

Whether you want to buy, sell or rent a property, don’t hesitate to contact your local Raine & Horne office.
1.https://propreports.co.nz/crime