G’day. I have to say, I’m getting used to writing this Home Safety Tips lark. I mean, sitting here in front of the computer, nice warm office, fire going, tapping away on the computer, over there my little mate Scout curled up on his blanket, (he’s a dog by the way, in case it wasn’t obvious), and life’s pretty good all things considered. I mean don’t get me wrong, winter’s ok – if you’re a snowman, or a duck. But all in all give me ‘nice and warm’ thanks very much. Thing is, if there’s nothing to keep you inside, chances are you’ll want to pack your shorts, pile the other family into the car, and go somewhere, like anywhere – warmer. And given the fairly obvious fact it’s school holidays, I mean, why wouldn’t you? One thing you can’t pack tho’ – is your house. So my mates at Crimsafe have given me a few really useful and seriously handy tips on how to make your number one investment tighter than two coats of paint. Let’s have a quick squiz shall we? Number 1. Move your wheelie bins away from your house or fence. Any remotely enterprising crook’ll jump on the chance to use the bins to climb on and get access to a window. It only takes two minutes to move ’em too. Number 2. Keep your spare key somewhere secure. Y’know again, any intruder with half a brain will look under a doormat, on a window ledge under a fake rock in your letter box or any other similar predictable spot. So leave a spare somewhere safe and secure, like with a trusted neighbour, or in a combination lockbox – which Crimsafe sell, by the way. Number 3. Put your lights on a timer. Timers help give the impression you’re home, and lights coming on and off, seemingly randomly will be one of the first things that’ll ward off some lowlife. Number 4. Get your mail collected. You hardly have to be a rocket scientist to figure out an overfull letterbox is a sure sign no-one’s home. So have a quiet word in your good neighbour’s ear and ask them to check your mailbox while they’re doing their own. Number 5. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch group You’ll get awesome valuable tips on home security and community safety, plus be kept in the loop about safety initiatives in your area. You might meet some new friends too. Apart from that, it can’t hurt to have multiple eyes on your house, whether you’re home or not. Number 6. Lock your gates Y’know it may seem obvious, but the amount of break ins that happen because gates are left unlocked giving crims quiet and easy access to the backyard is really quite high. Unless Johnny Intruder wants to risk jumping over it, causing a heck of a racket, and maybe setting set off any sensor light, he’ll move on. 🔦Oh yeah. Sensor Lights. There’s a good idea too. Number 7. Secure Sheds and garages While we’re on the subject of locking up stuff, it’s really important to lock any outbuildings. There’s two reasons why. The first – it’s likely you’ve got heaps of expensive stuff out there – a tonne load of value that a ratfink could easily steal and turn into cash. The second reason, easily accessed tools like crowbars, screwdrivers etc., can make breaking into the main house easier. Sobering thought right? Number 8. Keep shoes by your front and back doors I like this one – it’s right out of the Kimmy’s Dad book of being a cheeky bugger. Leaving a pair of old shoes outside give the impression someone’s home. I do this a lot. Y’see just the fact that the shoes are there will make some ne’er-do-well think twice about breaking in, but specifically, the old boots I leave are about 25 years old and smell like a tip, so he’s gonna move on before he gets even close. Up here for thinking!! Number 9. Be aware of social media Look I get it. You go away somewhere nice and sunny and you want to share everything with all and sundry. A little bit, ‘look at me’, a little bit ‘glad I’m here and you’re not’. But remember, while your social pages are telling your mates you’re having a lovely time in the top end or Bali, or Spain or something, it’s also telling others you’re not home – like nowhere near it. Yep. Big fail that. The last, is number 10. Get Crimsafe on your doors and windows. Yeah I know. You’d be expecting that one. Glad I didn’t disappoint. Look, all these things are important, but getting Australia’s strongest security screen on anything at home that opens and closes will always be the best possible criminal deterrent you can invest in. There’s a whole bunch of good sensible stuff to think about getting things ready for holidays. Not just these tips, others too. And you can see them all on the Crimsafe website. Bottom line, be prepared, and have a good and well-deserved break. As for me, it’s time I got back to the fire, and giving Scoutie his dinner. If you like my lark, the nice lasses at Crimsafe Marketing asked if you could sign up for my home safety updates. Anyway, talk to you over the next month.
