Festive season safety tips

As we prepare to unwind and make the best of the festive season with our families and friends, we must also be vigilant to crime around us and take safety precautions. Here are a few important festive season safety tips on how to be safe at home, on holiday, and while shopping:

Safety at home
If you plan to spend your festive holidays at home it is necessary to ensure that your home and family are safe. Test your alarm systems and upgrade security in your home. Ensure that your system is loud enough and is fully functional. Lock your doors and secure your windows when going to bed or even just relaxing in the backyard as you do not know who can enter from another entrance.

Secure your valuables by locking them away in a safe and out of sight. If you are spending the evening out with family it is wise to have an automated light on outside so that neighbours can see if intruders are in your yard. Do not overload electrical circuits or extension cords and replace worn out cords as they are a safety hazard. Double check that all electrical appliances are switched off before going out or to bed. Avoid leaving candles to burn out when you are not in the same room as they can cause fires.

Safety on holidays
If you are going away on holiday make certain that your home is well prepared. Alert a trusted friend, neighbour, or family member to do regular check-ins and collect your mail while you are away on holiday. Also inform your security company so that they can respond urgently should the need arise. Do not let too many people know that you are not at home. Do not post to the "public" on your social media platforms, rather change your settings on your accounts to include just your closest friends and restrict public viewing and sharing of your getaway.

While on holiday keep your belongings safe with you at all times. Wallets, tablets, cellphones or cameras lying around unattended can easily be picked up by criminals. During the festive rush children easily wonder off without you noticing. Confirm that they know which hotels and areas you are staying at as well as know your cellphone number off by heart.

Safety while shopping
Due to shopping malls being more busier during the festive season, criminals tend to use this to their advantage. It becomes very easy for pickpockets to get close to you and strike when you least notice. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, opt for swiping your card instead. Also ensure that you enter your pin discretely around people when using your card to escape any fraudulent activities.

Keep your keys and cellphones in your front pocket and not visible in your back pockets. Do not leave your belongings in the trolley even if it is for ten seconds. Always accompany your children to the bathroom and be alert of them at all times, including in restaurant play areas.

Do not drink and drive this festive season. The law is pretty strict regarding this matter and plan to set up roadblocks during this time of the year. You can spend up to 7 days in jail if you are caught driving under the influence.

Securing your home this festive season is vital. If you are going away on holiday, spending your days at home, or simply visiting the mall, you should evaluate your safety measures and identify vulnerabilities that intruders can exploit. Contact Knight Frank today to get more insight on the safe neighbourhoods you should be considering for your next home.