Mid West residents should secure their homes before leaving on holiday

If you’re heading out of town these next few weeks, remember that crime doesn’t take a school holiday break.

Before hitting the bitumen, make sure your house is secure.

There are plenty of resources at your local hardware store that makes your home seem lived in. For example, sensor lights can make a big difference.

Remember, the crooks out there don’t want to be identified. If they’re blinded by a sensor as they approach your property, they are likely to head for the hills.

You can also get wireless globes that let you turn lights off and on from home. And, there are several other well-priced devices that can help it seem like somebody is home. Why not leave talk-back radio playing?

You can also work with your community to keep the home safe — it won't cost a dollar.

Ask a neighbour to empty your letterbox and put your bins in and out. Give them a contact number to call in case something untoward happens.

Last, but not least, make sure all your doors and windows are locked. It may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s an easy mistake to make. You’d be surprised how many people go away and leave a sliding back door unlocked.

A little bit of crime prevention can go a long way towards making sure your hard-earnt getaway isn't interrupted by a phone call from my station.