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If you are away from home
for a short period of time (holiday) it is always a good idea to unplug any
items that are not being used whilst away, remember that when your
television is on standby (turned of on the remote control) it is still
using electricity.
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I personally like to leave a
standard lamp plugged into a timer switch/socket (available through most
DIY stores or electrical outlets) allowing a light to come on during the
times a light would normally be on in you home. Remember a criminal is
always on the lookout for opportunities, and there is no better sign to say
your away than a dark home with mail/milk piling up at the front door. And
please don't leave a key, in what you think is a safe place, most burglars
know them.
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External lighting should be
for your benefit, and should not be viewed as a security feature. By all
means have as many as you feel you need, but they will not deter a prowler
as very few people react to an external light switching on. If there was a
unwanted presence on your property they would be grateful of the light to
save them finding any hidden obstacles and reduce the requirement to use a
torch (which would probably arouse suspicion).
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A word of caution about high
wattage Halogen lighting, they will light (as designed) a large area, but
can have an upsetting effect on the neighbours and I have even known of a
case where the driver, approaching his garage illuminated by their new 500
watt halogen light, was dazzled and drove into the garage door, causing
damage to both the garage and the car. In this situation a 60-watt coach
lantern would have lighted the path and removed the dents in the garage and
car.
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A five minute check around
your home before leaving can give your peace of mind whilst away (and
whilst travelling), unplug all unnecessary equipment, switch off any lights
that you would not normally have on, make sure the heating system is
adjusted to reducing the chance of frozen pipes (especially in the winter
months) all windows and doors locked (hidden keys removed)
attractive/valuable items removed from view and trusted neighbour/friend
informed when your going and likely to return and act if applicable as a
key holder/alarm code holder.
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