With so many people away over the summer, it can be a popular time for thieves to strike. SA Police (SAPOL) figures reveal that 3470 people were caught breaking into a residential property in SA in the first seven months of 2023.

RAA Insurance Chief Executive Tara Page says school holiday periods are especially important times to remember to secure your home, with many people heading away.

“We’re urging all householders to make sure they’re following SAPOL security advice, as simple preventative measures can go a long way,” Tara says.

Macaulay Culkin did it the hard way in Home Alone, but we have a few strategies to make your house safer.

Don’t broadcast your travel plans

Avoid posting every detail about your trip to your social media profiles, as people can quickly work out that your house is empty. Limit the information you share online, but make sure your close friends, family or trusted neighbours know you’re away, so they can keep an eye out for any suspicious activity.

Check the perimeter

Overgrown bushes and trees are good hiding spots for thieves, or they can be used to access upstairs areas, so trim them before you leave. Many house burglars are opportunistic, so don’t leave items lying around like ladders, bricks, hand tools, or anything that could be used to gain entry to your house.

Make your house look occupied

Ask a neighbour to remove any mail or packages that arrive while you’re away and have someone park their car in your driveway. You could also ask your neighbours to take your bins out and back in as you normally would. They’ll probably appreciate using them, particularly at this time of year.

If Santa gave you a flash new TV or coffee machine for Christmas, don’t leave the box beside your recycling bin or viewable from the street. You’re announcing to the world that you have fancy new items in your home ready for the taking. Instead, break down the box before putting it in your recycling, or to be extra cautious, take it to your local recycling centre.

Lock up

Believe it or not, SAPOL says some thieves access homes through open or unlocked doors and windows. Although it sounds like a no-brainer, double-check that your home, sheds and garages are locked before you go away. Make sure you’ve locked away any car keys, roller-door remotes, cash, jewellery, or other valuables. Don’t put spare keys under doormats, pot plants or in other predictable places.

Switch on

Set your alarm if you have one and keep any sensor lights set. Timers for the lights and TV or radio are also a good option to help make your house look occupied. Consider installing a Wi-Fi security camera or two around the place, especially by the front door and other entrances. They’ve come down in price in recent years and they allow you to use your phone to monitor any activity within view of the cameras.

Check your insurance policy

Knowing you have an insurance policy that suits your needs and is up to date can provide peace of mind before you go on a holiday. If it’s been a while since you reviewed your policy, consider checking that the insured amounts for your home and contents reflect their true value. If not, consider each room and do some calculations. Make sure any new purchases and renovations are included and then contact your insurance company to make any changes.

Home and Contents is issued by RAA Insurance Ltd ABN 14 007 872 602. AFSL No. 232525. Limits apply. Consider the Product Disclosure Statement and Target Market Determination available from the RAA website when deciding whether to purchase this product.