Good safety is a precaution, not a panic!
South Africa (01 April 2026) – The Easter holidays are here, and if you’re one of the many families hitting the road or heading away for the long weekend, we’re excited for you! Before you go, though – one gentle reminder…
Holiday periods like Easter tend to see a spike in opportunistic crime. When streets go quieter than normal, cars disappear from driveways, and homes sit empty for days with no signs of activity, crime goes up. It’s something security companies flag every year as the holidays approach, and it’s worth taking seriously. Not as a reason to stress or to cancel your plans (please, don’t do that), but just as a gentle nudge to be a little more mindful before you head off.
Knowing that you’ve made the preparations to keep your home safe while you’re away can only add to the R&R you’ll enjoy later. So before you pack the last bag, have a read through these tips.
Check all your locks, twice!
Front door, back door, side gate, garage! Do a proper walk-around before you leave. It takes five minutes and it’s the most basic thing you can do to protect your home. It’s also good to check that all locks are in working order and haven’t been tampered with – sometimes, opportunists will scope these things out ahead of time for easy access. It’s always just good measure to be extra sure.
Make sure every window is closed and latched
It’s easy to forget a bathroom window or a bedroom window left on the latch. Go room to room before you leave and check every single one.
Don’t leave your bins out
A wheelie bin sitting on the pavement for days (especially if you’re away for longer than just the weekend) can be a clear signal that nobody is home. Bring them in before you leave, or ask a neighbour to help manage it while you’re away.
Ask a neighbour to be your eyes and ears
A neighbour who knows you’re away is one of the best security measures you have. They won’t camp out in your driveway, but they’ll notice if something looks off, and their presence alone adds an extra layer of eyes on your property.
Update your details with your security company
This one is important. Make sure your armed response or monitoring company has your current contact number and knows you’ll be away. If something triggers while you’re gone, you want them reaching you immediately. It’s easy to forget to update these details when they change, so it’s worth double-checking.
Make your home look occupied
If you have smart lighting, set it to come on at certain times in the evening. If you don’t, leave a select few lights on inside. A home that looks lived in is a much less tempting target than one that sits in complete darkness every night.
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Don’t leave a spare key hidden outside
Under the mat, above the door frame are spots well known. If someone needs access to your home while you’re away, rather hand the key to them directly before you leave.
Bonus tip! Switch off non-essential appliances but keep the fridge and freezer on
Unplug the TV, the kettle, the microwave, and anything else that doesn’t need to be running. It reduces the risk of electrical faults or fires while you’re away. It sounds impossible until it happens. Just remember to keep the fridge and freezer on…you don’t want to come home to that situation.
And if you’re celebrating, have a wonderful Easter weekend!
Sources: GTG.
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