King Price Insurance’s claims patterns for break-ins and robberies from 2021 to 2023 show a clear spike over the festive season – it might be Ke Dezemba but this is no time to neglect your home security measures.
Wynand van Vuuren, client experience partner at King Price, offered these reminders for the festive season:
🔒Boost your security: If you have all the security measures in place, make sure you put them to use every time you leave your home, no matter how long you’re away for. This means locking all doors, windows and gates, and activating the alarm and the electric fence (this should be armed at all times). Do a quick scan of your property to make sure any tools that could be used to break into your home are securely stashed away.
🚗Look after your visitors: Remind guests who are parking on the street to check their cars are safely locked and no items are visible, so that there is no motive to break in.
☀️🛰️⚡Safeguard the items being targeted: Solar panels, gas bottles and gate motors top the list of things stolen from properties most often in 2024. Disconnect gas bottles and store them out of sight and reach, and make sure your panels and motors are difficult to remove.
🗣️Talk to your neighbours: A major reason for crime in residential areas is a lack of communication between neighbours. If you’re heading out of town without a house-sitter, tell your security company and neighbourhood watch, as well as the neighbours in your complex, so they can keep an eye out.
🏠Take care of those taking care of your home and pets: If you have a house- or pet-sitter while you’re away, make sure they know your security system, passwords and lock-up procedure, and communicate with them regularly. Marius Kemp, head of personal lines underwriting at Santam, adds that you should always check references and clarify responsibilities upfront. “The sitter needs to be aware of any liability they may have, such as failing to activate the alarm or lock up properly.”
💡Create the illusion of being home: Leave a few lights on while you’re away. Ask a friend or family member to pop in and out regularly so your home is not vacant for long periods, or you can use timers or smart devices to switch lights on and off at different times.
🤫Keep it to yourself: Between Black Friday and Christmas shopping, ‘tis the season for big purchases. Don’t leave shopping in plain view in your car, and don’t leave the packaging from expensive items, such as TVs, on the pavement for recyclers to collect.
🤐Be cautious with social media: It’s always tempting to share your holiday snaps but ensure your posts are set to “private” and rather share the pics when you are safely back home.
🏚Renting out your home for the holidays: Kemp recommends you notify your insurer and check the policy conditions regarding renting out your property. The policy may exclude cover for malicious damage or theft when your private residence is rented out, which means the tenant or anyone linked or connected to the tenant will be responsible for any damages or loss caused to your property.
Neesa Moodley