With your summer holiday just around the corner now is the best time to check your doors, windows and locks to prevent a break-in and losing your important property. Many burglars who break into houses don’t actually break-in, they enter through unlocked doors and windows. Last year the Insurance Council of NZ reported there were about 3,100 burglary-related claims from private homes and commercial premises in New Zealand over the holiday period.

Here are some useful tips for preventing break-ins and burglaries:

• Don’t advertise that you are away, it’s a good idea to have lights come on at night on a timer.

• Ask a neighbour or friend to regularly clear your mail box.

•  Install deadbolts on all exterior doors, including the internal door to the garage.

• Ensure the windows and sliding doors have the correct locks fitted.

• Keep the outside of your house well-lit to help reduce the risk of a break-in. Sensor lights are a good idea in this instance.

• Ensure that all sheds and outbuildings are locked.

• Keep your trees and shrubbery trimmed. An overgrown garden gives burglars more privacy.

• If you have given a set of keys to people previously, i.e. tenants, change the locks.

• Avoid hiding a key outside, instead leave a spare with a friend or trusted neighbour.

• And finally, always lock your house, even if you are only going out for a short time.