This year we have read about Leanne Zaloumis breaking into Simon Cowell’s mansion which he had once described as ‘safe as the Bank of England’ and a 29-year-old Polish citizen was arrested and charged with burglary after breaking into Madonna’s £10m London home. Also notable: George Harrison was stabbed in his Oxfordshire home in 2000; and the Queen found Michael Fagan who scaled the walls of Buckingham Palace to end up in her bedroom.
Make sure you enjoy your summer holiday breaks away stress free, without having to worry about your home. Dr Diwan Rahul (Richie) Nanda, Global Chairman of the security companies Topsgrup Security UK Limited and The Shield Guarding Company Liminted in the UK has some security tips. Dr Nanda’s company provides security for the Indian Premier League (IPL) and World Cricket Champions League.
1. Do not leave spare keys in pots, plants, mail boxes or under the doormat. It is most likely that thieves will find them. In case you want to leave keys behind, hand them to a trustworthy neighbour.
2. Before you go away for a holiday, check if all the windows and doors are locked, keep the blinds and curtains shut. It is best to invest in a home security system to keep your investments safe, when you’re not there.
3. Always keep you garage windows covered or frosted, burglars won’t be able to tell if your car is there or gone.
4. Do not leave any notes on the door for family members or service people. It alerts the thieves that you are not home. Inform your family members in advance that you will be away for a while.
5. Keep valuables, cash, jewellry in safety deposit box or a safe to ensure they are not left behind outside for easy access for burglars.
6. Make the telephone ring tone to the minimum, if your phone is unanswered couple of times, it might give a sign to the burglars about your absence.
7. Leave a radio or television set on in a room to create a illusion that you are still at home, since you will be away for an extended period of time, it will help keep the burglars/intruders away.
8. Use of exterior lighting is important when you are on a holiday to reduce burglar concealment. Make sure that security signs and window decals are prominently displayed on your property, as they are a good first line of defence to deter potential burglars.
9. Remember to have your delivery of mail and newspapers suspended or have some neighbour pick it up for you each day.
10. Unkempt yard is another sign that you are have been away for a long time, it is good to hire a gardener to keep it maintained.
11. Trees located near windows or shrubbery that might shield a burglar from view can be major flaws in your home-protection plan. Consider your landscaping plan in light of your protection needs.
12. Most importantly before you leave, you should always inform your neighbours that you will be away. Ask them to notice any suspicious behaviour, people or strange cars they observe lurking about.
