As summer ends, many people rush to squeeze in a vacation or two. While they are busy packing, booking flights, and planning itineraries, they often forget one important thing: securing their empty homes.
Last year, robbery and theft cases accounted for roughly 16,000 incidents nationwide, according to a report by the Philippine News Agency (PNA). If it is any consolation, the country’s overall crime rate declined by 12.4 percent. These numbers nonetheless serve as a reminder that unattended homes are targets for criminals.
An unoccupied home is an easy money-low risk for burglars. With no one around to stop them, no pets to alert neighbors or roving barangay tanods, the vacation becomes an extended payday for robbers.
So what can vacationers do to avoid becoming a statistic? Malayan Insurance Co. Inc. (Malayan Insurance) shares five practical tips to keep the home secure.
Well lit, clean and visible
Robbers want to be “invisible.” Dimly lit gates and doors obscured by bushes and landscaping make breaking in easier for them. Before the trip, make sure that all outdoors lights are working, trim garden hedges, and ensure that doors and entrances are visible for roving tanods or closed-circuit television (CCTVs).
Maintain appearances
Beat robbers at their own game by making the house seem occupied. Install lighting fixtures that switch on automatically, or program smart entertainment systems to run at certain times of the day to throw off would-be thieves. Ask a friend to collect parcels, tidy up or move around outdoor furniture and plants to make it appear like someone’s actually home.
Check, lock and secure
As soon as your trip is finalized, go around the property to check doors and windows are in good condition. Do this ASAP as you may find some much-needed repair work. Do not hesitate to install additional locking mechanisms. Inspect and clean gutters and drains to ensure that the property remains flood-free. For added peace of mind, consider Home Protect by Malayan Insurance. Home Protect is a handy financial safety net against fires, natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, earthquakes, personal accidents, third party liabilities, and dangers like burglary and theft. It is not just financial protection, it is peace of mind.
Be discreet
While it may be your habit to post day-to-day life on social media, don’t share details or clues about the vacation. Criminals nowadays are more sophisticated. Some go to the extent of verifying their target’s whereabouts and travel dates on social media. Be wary of what you post. Travel smart by posting snapshots of the trip when you are safely back at home.
Monitor your feed
Keep a watchful eye on both your property and surrounding areas by regularly monitoring and recording CCTVs surveillance feed. Collect the contact details of a family member, trusted friend, security personnel, and community emergency numbers as a precautionary measure.
Going on a summer getaway is a great way to reset and recharge. With a little pre-departure vigilance and comprehensive insurance coverage, homeowners like you can unplug and unwind knowing that your home is safe even when you are miles away. Not yet insured? Visit www.malayan.com.
