Cops advise how to secure homes during holiday travel

Hyderabad: With X-mas, New Year and Sankranti approaching, Central Zone Police on Sunday issued a public advisory urging residents to inform their nearest police station about their travel plans and expected return dates.Cops said this would allow patrol teams to keep special watch on homes during routine surveillance. Citizens are also advised to request trusted neighbours, relatives or friends to periodically check their houses and report any suspicious activity promptly. Apartment residents should notify their building association or security staff of their absence.
Several residents travel during the holidays leaving their houses unattended, cops said, adding this increases the risk of theft and property-related crimes. To safeguard homes and properties, they urged additional preventive measures should be taken.Large amounts of cash, jewellery and important documents should not be left at home, said cops. Spare keys also should never be hidden in predictable locations such as flower pots, shoe racks or meter boxes. Residents are also being urged to avoid sharing their travel plans or real-time updates on social media until they return to their homes.Cops also advised that residents limit access of domestic help, drivers, gardeners or other service staff while away. "House keys, access codes or other sensitive info should be shared only if absolutely necessary. If service personnel know access codes or key storage locations, locks and codes should be changed as a precautionary measure. Before leaving all doors, windows, grills, ventilators and balconies should be secured. Wherever feasible, residents are encouraged to install or activate security systems such as CCTV cameras, alarm systems, motion-sensor lights and video doorbells. Proper lighting around entry points and secure parking of vehicles with additional anti-theft devices are also recommended. To avoid drawing attention to an empty house, residents should prevent the accumulation of newspapers, milk packets, courier deliveries or garbage outside. Using timers for lights or electrical devices can give the impression someone is home," further adds the advisory.

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