Christmas is just Around the Corner

With holiday time fast approaching, remember that while you are relaxing at Christmas time, others are just beginning their work. A house left empty for some time is a prime target for criminals to do their Christmas shopping.

When going on holidays, take the following steps to give your house that "lived in" look and reduce the chances of a break-in:

• Check all doors and windows are securely locked
• Cancel milk and papers
• Ask a friend to collect mail, watch out for visitors, mow the lawn and water the plants
• Turn down the telephone
• Inform local police of your absence and leave contact name and number
• Lock away or chain your wheelie bins to poles away from windows.

Other simple precautions you can take is to install electric timers on lights and on the radio, install motion sensor external lights, disconnect your electronic garage door and even ask you neighbour to park their car in the driveway occasionally.
Most importantly, tell your neighbours and your NHW that you are going away. A good neighbour can sometimes make all the difference between a happy and worry free holiday.