There is nothing more relaxing than going on holiday, but that nagging feeling of worry over the security of your home can be distracting.

Reduce this sensation by making sure that you have made your house as safe as possible, and you will certainly get that much more out of your break away from everyday life.
Putting Up Appearances

When you are away, don´t advertise that your home is empty - it is imperative that you make it seem as though your house is occupied while you are away.

Be discreet when packing your car, and do so in the garage if possible. Don´t tell any unnecessary strangers that you are planning a holiday away from home. A common mistake that people make is leaving answering machine messages stating exact departure and return times.

Organise for a friend or trustworthy person living in your neighbourhood to check on your home daily. To make the house look lived in, ask your house sitter to switch on different lights on different days and to empty the post box. Simply having someone around the house creates the impression that your home is occupied, and could mean the difference between a break-in and a terrific, stress free holiday.

If you´d prefer not to have someone in your home, cancel your newspapers, set alarm clocks or radios to turn on at regular intervals during the day to create a lived-in impression. There are plenty of timer plugs on the market to turn specific lights or electronic devices on automatically.
Test Your Alarm System

Most alarm systems require that you test them once or twice a year, but few people actually carry out these important checks. It is no good having an alarm that is faulty and “cries wolf” or simply doesn´t sound - so there is no better time to test your early warning system than now To avoid overloading the system with false activations, it is important to always notify the ADT control room before any testing is carried out. Testing should be done outside of peak hours, between 8am and 4pm, or after 8pm. If a fault is discovered, it should be immediately reported to ADT´s technical team.

It is also be a good idea to let your private security company know that you will be going away.
Turn Off All Electrical Devices

Remove all unnecessary plugs from power points in your home, as well as your geyser. Not only will it save you on your electricity bill, but it will also prevent powers surges or storms from damaging computers or televisions.

Be careful not to accidentally unplug any alarm systems or backup generators.
Taking Care of Pets

There are a few options when considering pet care while you are away on holiday. You could either have someone come to your home to feed your animals for you, have someone take them into their home while you´re away or put your animals into the professional care of a kennel.
Final Checks Before You Depart

Go through your home and double check that all doors and windows are closed, locked and secure. Don´t leave any keys or valuables on show; this is only an invitation to burglars. Rather lock all extra car keys, personal documents and irreplaceable valuables away in a safe place.

Now that your house is secure, it is time to do what´s most important: go away on your well deserved holiday safe in the knowledge that your home is as safe and sound as possible. Enjoy your holiday.
Don’t Be A Victim Of a Driveway Robbery

When you are arriving or leaving your home, you are at one of your most vulnerable points of your journey. Unfortunately, driveway robbery is a reality of everyday life. Follow our basic safety tips on how to avoid a driveway robbery with ADT, your crime prevention specialists.

* Turn off your radio when you’re 2km from home so you can be more aware of your environment.
* Be familiar with your area; get to know the newspaper sellers on the corner, for example.
* Notice how people dress, if a "newspaper seller" or "hawker" is wearing overalls that seem new he might not be who he appears to be.
* If a driveway robber confronts you put up your hands immediately, don’t try to grab your bag or cell phone: it may look like you’re reaching for a gun.
* Stay calm, listen to the armed robber and obey commands.
* Don’t look the driveway robber in the eye.
* Don't pretend not to have a bag or wallet. If the driveway robber finds out you're lying he might hurt you in anger or out of frustration.
* Don't throw your keys away. It will just make your attacker angry.
* If you lie face down outside the car he might not force you to get back in.

Burglaries

Even though a home alarm system is a great way to keep your home safe, you can never be too careful when it comes to home security. We offer a number of home security tips that will encourage burglary prevention in the event that your house is targeted by criminals.
Home Security & Burglary Prevention Tips

* Ensure that all valuables and important documents are photocopied, authenticated by a Commissioner of Oath and securely locked away. If you do not have a fire proof home safe, lodge these copies with your bank for safekeeping.
* Ensure that perimeter doors are fitted with adequate locks. The front door should have a safety chain or safety latch and, if the door has no vision panel, a door viewer. If keys to perimeter doors are mislaid, those locks should be replaced.
* Fit suitable “spacers”, locks or bolts to all sliding doors to prevent them from being lifted off their tracks (the most common method used by burglars on sliding doors and windows).
* Ensure all windows are fitted with adequate locks or burglar bars that cover all glass.
* Ensure that all duplicate keys are locked away if not in use. Do not leave in doors or make unnecessary copies.
* Install a safe for weapons and valuables. Duplicate house keys could be kept in this safe. Wall safes are usually not fire proof and therefore not suitable for face-value documents and money.
* Keep the garage and tool shed locked when not in use. Would–be intruders should not have access to any item that can be used as a weapon or burglary tool.
* Install outside lights that can be remotely controlled from inside the house. Consider installing lighting outside which is activated by a motion detector.
* Try not to have high walls and tall hedges that obscure your view of the property. If walls and ledges are low, or have openings, neighbours and passers-by will more easily be able to spot suspicious or unusual activity.
* Reduce all heavy foliage near the garage entrance and front door to reduce the possibility of those spots being used as s hiding place.

When at home:

* Always lock perimeter doors and close windows that are far away from where the family activity is centred.
* At night always lock perimeter doors and securely fasten windows. When retiring to bed, lock inter-leading doors of those rooms that are not occupied.
* Do not leave curtains open at night as this allows observation into the house.
* Do not go outside alone to investigate at night. Rather switch off all lights and open curtains to allow you to see what is occurring outside, once eyes have become accustomed to the dark.
* Do not open any perimeter door without satisfactory identification from the visitor. If in any doubt, do not open the door and consider summoning the police or ADT.
* Never admit to a stranger that you are alone.
* If a repair-person is expected, do not allow entry unless identity has been checked through a vision panel or door viewer and with the company concerned.
* Do not allow strangers into your home to make telephone calls. Rather offer to make the telephone calls for them while they wait outside.
* If you note suspicious vehicles, individuals or groups in your neighbourhood, contact the police or ADT.

When away from home:

* Do not leave notes on the door, underneath the carpet or in the post box to indicate that you are away.
* Do not leave hidden keys.
* Leave your house key with a trusted neighbour or the key holder (as registered with ADT) so that access can be gained in an emergency.
* Do not leave only the outside lights on as this is usually an indication to would-be intruders that the house is not occupied.
* Leave lights on and the radio playing as this gives the impression that the house is occupied.

If Confronted By An Intruder

* Try to escape, if possible.
* If you cannot escape, try to lock yourself in a secure room and lock the door.
* Remain calm.
* Co-operate with the intruder.
* Be observant and take particular notice of any voice, dress or behavioural traits.
* Only shout for help or scream to avoid serious assault.
* If the intruder tries to leave, do not hinder or apprehend him.
* Do not follow the intruder outside. Close and lock the doors immediately and call for help by activating the home alarm system.

Other Basic Home Security Preventative Measures

* Ensure that anyone leaving your property can get into their car, start it, lock the doors and be fully prepared to drive off before the gates are opened.
* If possible, ensure that anyone leaving your premises can do so without having to reverse into the road. Reversing forces one to concentrate on the driving and not what lies outside the gate. It also greatly reduces visibility.
* If your visitors have to park in the street, escort them to their car when leaving and check that the road is clear for them. If you have dogs, take them with you, especially after dark.
* Ensure that your gate and driveway are well lit after dark. Replace fused light bulbs immediately.
* Ensure that the number of your house is clearly visible at all times.
* Install electric gates – consider this a necessity rather than a luxury.
* If you have electric gates and an intercom system, ensure that visitors can reach the intercom without having to get out of their cars. Do not leave them waiting outside for longer than is absolutely necessary.
* If you spot anything suspicious in your immediate vicinity, do not leave you property or hesitate to drive away from it.
* Be particularly alert if you live in a cul-de-sac, given their single point of entry and exit.
* When driving, avoid wearing flashy jewellery that can be easily seen from a distance by a casual passer-by.
* Never leave any important documents in your car that may provide your personal details.
* The only solution for vehicle-related crime is to have a tracking system installed in your vehicle.

Maximising Vehicle Security

Your vehicle is one of your most valuable assets, which makes it an easy target for crime.

A criminal needs only a few minutes to break into or steal your vehicle. The following safety tips will help you to prevent car theft, whether you are at home or just popping into the shops for a short while.
How to prevent car theft

* Parking: Park your vehicle in a safe place that is well lit. If you can, park your vehicle behind locked gates or in the garage. The most common place where vehicles are stolen is in the street outside your home.
* Security systems: Install a tracker, immobiliser and alarm system in your vehicle. Remember to activate your alarm system and other security equipment at all times.
* Locking: Lock your vehicle and close all the windows properly, whether at home or in a public place.
* Valuables: Any valuables such as handbags, cell phones and shopping parcels are a temptation for any criminal. Put them out of sight in the boot of your vehicle.
* Be alert: Be on the lookout for suspicious persons in the area – ordinary vagrants are not the people who steal vehicles.

Vehicle security tips

* Always keep your vehicle in a mechanically sound condition in order to avoid breakdowns of any kind. This is when you are most vulnerable.
* Ensure that your vehicle has a lockable fuel tank cap.
* Ensure that your vehicle has an efficient immobiliser and alarm, if possible. Carry a vehicle steering wheel lock and use it whenever you leave and lock your car.

Things to carry in your vehicle

* A tow rope
* Jumper leads for your battery
* A torch or spotlight which must be regularly tested
* A road map
* Any medical alert information regarding your health and requirements
* A complete first aid kit
* A fire extinguisher that is suitable for vehicle fires.

Things not to be left in your vehicle

* The vehicle registration papers
* Any documents giving your name and address, or those of your family
* Family photographs
* Firearms
* Vehicle and house keys
* Cheque books and credit cards
* Anything of value that might tempt someone to break into your vehicle, like car radios, CD players and CD’s

Crime Prevention with Our Personal Safety Tips

* Know all emergency numbers by heart.
* If in doubt about the safety of an area, phone a police station for advice.
* Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
* Try not to walk around remote places at night.
* Locate points of help like of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals and restaurants, or stores that are open late.
* Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.
* Inform people of your whereabouts.
* Limit your trips at night or at least take someone along with you.
* Watch out if people start milling around you. This could be a sign you are about to be robbed.
* If a stranger wants to use your phone and you want to help, leave him/her outside and phone on his/her behalf.
* Always appear calm and confident, and know where you are going.
* Don’t resist, especially if the perpetrator has a weapon, give up your purse or valuables, with no questions asked and move away.
* Before you go to bed, pre-set the police station’s telephone number on your telephone, all you have to do in an emergency is to push re-dial.
* Do not wear extravagant jewellery in public.
* Avoid carrying a large amount of money.
* Carry a purse or bag close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Our personal safety tip would be to put a wallet in an inside coat or front trouser pocket not a back pocket.
* Always carry your handbag in such a way that it will not be easy for someone to snatch it.
* Avoid suspicious schemes.
* Security lights are an important aspect in the prevention of theft and assault on both interior and exterior parts of a building, carports, stairs, alleys and patio’s.
* Keep your firearms in a good quality safe.
* Never leave your firearm unattended in a vehicle.
* Avoid using laundry facilities in an apartment complex by yourself, especially at night time, team up with a neighbour or friend.
* Don’t wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.
* When leaving your house for long periods, don’t mention it on your answering machine