December home-security tips for Barbertonians
Barberton residents are gearing up for the December holidays, but before you head out, make sure your home is secure.
Lynette Spencer
As the December holidays approach, excitement builds across Barberton. Many families prepare for well-deserved breaks, whether visiting relatives, travelling to the coast or simply enjoying time away. Unfortunately, this is also the time when opportunistic criminals take advantage of empty homes and relaxed routines.
Ensuring your house and premises are secure is essential for a peaceful festive season.
While Barberton continues to strengthen its neighbourhood watch networks and community policing efforts, personal vigilance remains the first line of defence. With a few smart, practical steps, residents can greatly reduce their risk of becoming holiday-season targets. Here are some tips to secure your home and belongings:
1. Make your home look occupied
- Use timers on indoor lights to switch on automatically in the evenings.
- Ask a neighbour to open and close curtains, if possible
- Avoid leaving bins out for days or allowing newspapers and mail to pile up.
- If you are leaving a car at home, move it every few days through the help of a trusted friend.
2. Strengthen physical security
- Check that burglar bars, gates and security doors are in good condition.
- Ensure your security gate keys are unique.
- Install motion-sensor lights outside.
- Trim back overgrown bushes.
- Secure outside storage rooms and tool sheds.
3. Secure perimeter and outdoor items
- Lock away bicycles, braai equipment, garden tools and gas bottles.
- Don’t leave ladders outside.
- Inspect and repair any fence gaps.
4. Use technology to your advantage
- Install Wi-Fi or battery-powered cameras.
- Test your alarm system before leaving.
- Ensure your security company has your latest contact information.
5. Don’t broadcast your holiday plans
- Avoid posting real-time holiday updates.
- Share only once you are back home.
6. Strengthen community awareness
- Inform your neighbourhood watch if you’ll be away.
- Share emergency numbers.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
7. Protect pets (and livestock)
- Ensure animals have adequate care.
- Secure animal enclosures.
- Notify caretakers of any special needs.
8. Prepare for load shedding and stormy weather
- Ensure alarm backup batteries are working.
- Use surge protection.
- Clear gutters and drains.
9. Double-check before you leave
- Switch off unnecessary appliances.
- Close all windows properly.
- Lock internal doors.
- Brief domestic workers or house sitters.
Safety starts with preparation so plan accordingly. Enjoying the December holidays is much easier when you know your home is protected.
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