LIFESTYLE NEWS - December is almost here. Time to relax, recharge, and rewind. Sadly, for many people, leaving their homes for a peaceful December getaway ends in tragedy and trauma because they return to find their house cleaned out or they fall victim to criminals at their holiday destination.
Charnel Hattingh, Group Head of Communications and Marketing for Fidelity ADT, says the mere fact people go to guesthouses and farms, lodges, and chalets to “switch off” is what criminals take advantage of.
You need to remain vigilant, no matter where you are, she warns.
Hattingh recommends that people follow two sets of tips, focusing first on their home safety before they leave on their holiday, and then on the tips to follow at the holiday destination itself.
“In the rush to get to your destination, it is imperative that you do not neglect a thorough security check of your home before leaving. Do not leave anything to chance. Ensure your gate is properly closed and secured and that all doors are locked, and windows closed.
“Preferably, get a reliable person to come and turn lights on and off, open and close curtains, and take care of your pets, so that it looks like someone is home. The most important is to arm your alarm systems and outdoor deterrents, like electric fencing and beams. If these are linked to an armed response security provider, you will be alerted on your cell phone if anything happens at home. Please don’t leave any tests or maintenance of your system till the very last minute,” says Hattingh.
Law enforcement agencies and security providers are ready to welcome holidaymakers to our country’s many beautiful holiday spots, but visitors and accommodation operators must play their part.
“We would appreciate it immensely if guest house owners can properly educate their guests on how alarm systems work so that any avoidable ‘false alarms can be prevented. Our teams must treat each alarm activation as a potential legitimate emergency, and it diverts valuable assets away from real emergencies if we also at the same time respond to numerous and repeated false alarms from the same address,” says Hattingh.
It is also important not to leave windows and doors standing open, as opportunistic criminals can make use of the opportunity to grab small electronic devices.
Draw the curtains and close the blinds when you leave the guest house so that no one can look through the windows while you are out for the day.
In the same manner, it is recommended to not leave valuable items in your car when you go down to the beach. “Remote jamming” suspects are ready to pounce, and it is therefore important to always lock your car properly.
Hattingh reiterates that no matter how safe the establishment promises the area and property are, guests should not be complacent.
“Holiday accommodation spots are often targeted by criminals because they know people are more relaxed and can be taken by surprise. Sadly, this happens far more often than people are aware.”
She offers these tips for staying safe at your destination:
- Always speak to the establishment beforehand and ask specifically about security. Look for reviews online. Do not only rely on what their website says. Getting word-of-mouth referrals is always a good idea.
- Take care of your valuables by locking them away in a safe or taking them with you when you leave your unit. Always lock up and close the windows securely.
- If you are in a remote area, preferably do not sit outside after dark. Braai fires and a little after-dinner tipple are wonderfully relaxing, but you can be vulnerable.
- Ask the manager about panic buttons and emergency contact numbers. Remember, an emergency is not necessarily only a criminal attack - there could be a fire in your unit or a medical emergency.
- Just as you should have at home, have a plan of action in place in case your family is held up on holiday. While it is difficult to stick to a script in such a traumatic event, it will help if everyone in the family, including young children, knows what to do and what not to do. The main thing is to ensure everyone remains calm.
- Ask for the contact details of the closest police station, the local neighbourhood watch, and the armed response company that looks after the property you stay at. This means you can quickly get in contact with the correct people in an emergency and not waste valuable time. If you see anything suspicious, please let one of these organisations know.
“Holidays should be about making lasting happy memories. By staying vigilant and keeping security top of mind - before you leave home and when you are on holiday - you can ensure your holiday memories are lasting for the right reasons,” says Hattingh.
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