9 Easy and affordable tips to feel safe

Being safe does not have to cost you an arm and a leg (no pun intended). You don’t have to install state of the art alarm systems and hide like a hobbit to feel safe. Follow these 9 simple and affordable tips on how to protect yourself and your valuables.

• Keep up appearances – Create the illusion that there is someone at home even though you are away. Example would be that you leave a radio or TV playing when you are not at home.

• Secure air conditioners & copper pipes – Air conditioners are burgled for their copper. The best way to secure your air conditioner is to make it difficult for burglars by installing a cage around the unit, or by removing any ladders or objects that burglars can use to reach the air conditioner. Intruders are also opportunistic so do not leave any copper pipes lying around your property as this will lure them.

• Install motion sensor floodlights – Installing motion sensor floodlights outside where your property is dark will light up these areas on your property so that you can see clearly and not be surprised by any unexpected visitors.

• Close your curtains or blinds – Intruders do window shopping. Ensure that you close your curtains or blinds where you have valuables so that you do not “advertise” your valuables to the intruders.

• Pack away your tools – Lock up your tools and garden equipment in your shed or garage. Intruders are opportunistic and will take something if it is easy for them. They will also use these items to break into your home so do not give them ideas.

• Do not leave toys or bicycles lying outside – Kids gets side-tracked very quickly and will leave their bikes and toys outside. Intruders will see this as an easy steal, remind children to pack away their toys and bicycles if they are not using it.

• Carry a remote panic button on you – When you are outside carry your remote panic button on you so that you can let your security company know when you are in danger.

• Keep valuables away from reach – There has been a big spike in intruders fishing objects through windows. Ensure that you do not keep any small valuables within reach. Burglars will find a way to reach your valuables by using sticks or anything around them.

• Secure your gate motors – Install your gate motor in a box that you can lock to prevent intruders from stealing them.

All it takes to feel safe without spending a fortune is a few simple lifestyle changes. What cost effective safety measurements do you use to feel safe? Share your tips with us.