Traditionally, many people head away over the Christmas break, leaving houses unoccupied and neighbourhoods a little quieter than usual.

So here are a few prevention tips to consider when preparing for a time away.

Newspapers and mail

Get a neighbour to collect your mail and ensure your newspaper delivery is stopped. Remind neighbours to collect the Oamaru Mail from your house on a Friday, as stacked up mail is a sure indicator that no one is there.

Spare keys

Give a trusted neighbour or relative a key to your house. This is preferable to having a key hidden outside and especially not in those common places of under a mat, pot or in an empty shoe. Something like an annoying beeping smoke alarm may need attention while you are away and it’s simple if your neighbour can just pop in and sort it. If you are away for a while, it’s great to have someone going in weekly, as many people have returned home to a flood caused by a broken pipe that went unnoticed for weeks.

Don't give obvious signals that you're away

Make the house look like someone is still home. Do not close the curtains, (even in holiday home), and it would be great if someone could mow your lawns or hang out some washing on your line.

Hide the Christmas packaging

Be aware of leaving packaging from Christmas presents in a visible place. The box from the new TV might make it tempting for someone to break in.

Untidy your house

Don’t leave the house too tidy. If a would-be thief is looking in your windows, an immaculate house looks like no one is there. Leave a few coffee cups out and the paper strewn open, to make the house looked lived in.

Don't tell the world that you're away

Posting pictures of your whole family on Facebook or Instagram is an open invitation. Still take all the holiday pics but post them once you are home stating that you HAD a wonderful holiday, not that you are currently HAVING one. Talk to your teenagers about this, as it may well be them who are inadvertently advertising your empty house.

Store valuables carefully

Store valuables in a safe place. It’s not smart to leave jewellery in an easily seen jewellery box. Find a more obscure location for your precious things. Plus, if you have a safe, use it, and ensure the actual safe is away, out of sight.

Lock your sheds

If by some miracle, farmers manage to get off the farm, please lock all sheds and don’t leave petrol where it can be stolen.

Wishing you a peaceful and happy Christmas.

Christine Dorsey

Waitaki Neighbourhood Support | 0272410589