Your out-of-office reply has been set, your bags are packed, and you’re ready to set the alarm, lock up and let your adventure begin. You’ve checked that there’s no washing on the line and you’ve turned off the stove. But still, as you leave home, there’s a little niggle in the back of your mind: Will everything be safe until you get back?

Crime is one of the major issues affecting South Africans’ quality of life. We all know someone who has been affected by crime, or we’ve experienced it ourselves. According to a report in SA News (the South African government news agency), in August 2024, Statistics SA estimated that ‘1.5 million incidents of housebreakings occurred in 2023/24, affecting around 1.1 million households in South Africa’.

But you can’t let fear stop you from living your life and experiencing the world the way you want to – and you don’t have to go as far as the kid from Home Alone to secure your home, either. For your own peace of mind, consider these tips to keep your home protected when you travel.

1. Switch lights on and off remotely

Upgrade your outdoor lights with motion sensors and install timers on some indoor light circuits, so they switch on and off at set times every night. You could also connect your security system to a smartphone app that lets you check your home security cameras and turn circuits on or off remotely. These little details will make it look like someone’s home by creating fake movement and activity.

2. Don’t post in real time

Of course you want to post your selfies enjoying the perfect sunset at the beach on social media – how else can you make all your friends jealous? But save those posts for when you get back – you never know who’s snooping on your social profiles. There’s no need to let everyone know you’re not going to be home for a few days.

3. Don’t leave your mail unattended

Most of us don’t get much mail in our post boxes anymore – but if you do, and it piles up while you’re away, it’s very noticeable. Nothing says ‘no one’s home’ like an overflowing mailbox. Ask a neighbour or friend to clear it for you — and pause deliveries and postal subscriptions altogether.

4. Get someone to check in

Get a friend, relative, or house sitter to pop in to water your plants, air the place out and make sure everything’s still in place. Just make sure that it’s someone you trust. If possible, ask them to check in at different times, so their movements won’t be predictable.

5. Lock up properly

Don’t check only the doors and windows you use daily — check any side gates, garage doors, and the bathroom window (often forgotten). It helps if you create a checklist and tick off each entryway as you lock it – so you don’t have to go back and double-check because you can’t remember if you locked something.

6. Back up your alarm

An alarm’s only useful if it’s on. Load-shedding or power cuts can trip it, so make sure you have backup batteries that are working. It also helps to let your security company know that you’ll be away – a quick call or email can ensure extra patrols and faster responses if your alarm goes off. Upgrade your security system as often as you can afford to – the latest technology includes motion sensors and hidden home surveillance cameras that you can monitor and operate remotely with a smartphone.

7. Hide your valuables

You never know who you can trust. So, if you’re getting someone to pop in regularly, lock things like jewellery, cash and laptops away out of sight. Choose 2 or 3 secure hiding places – to make life harder for burglars, too.

8. Double-check your insurance

If something does happen, you’ll want to know you’re covered. Check that your buildings and house contents insurance are up to date and active.

If you need help protecting your home and valuables, explore Nedbank Insurance.

You can also find great deals on solar installation, backup power units, and home security components on Avo SuperShop.

Once you know that your home and possessions are safe, you’ll have nothing to distract you from enjoying your trip.