Holiday Security: Protecting Your Home During December Travel Season

The December Risk: Why South African Homes Are Vulnerable Over the Holidays

December is South Africa's most dangerous month for residential burglaries. As millions of Johannesburg residents head to the coast, the bush, or overseas for the festive season, opportunistic criminals take note. Empty homes, reduced neighbourhood activity, and the knowledge that residents are away for extended periods create ideal conditions for break-ins.

South African Police Service (SAPS) statistics consistently show a spike in residential burglaries during the December–January period. In Gauteng, where property crime rates are already among the highest in the country, the festive season amplifies the risk significantly.

The good news: a well-prepared home is a hard target. This guide covers everything you need to do before you leave — from quick wins you can implement today to longer-term security upgrades worth considering before next December.

Before You Leave: The Essential Pre-Holiday Security Checklist

Alarm System

• Test your alarm system at least one week before departure — not the night before
• Ensure your armed response subscription is active and your contact details are current
• Confirm your armed response company has your travel dates and emergency contact numbers
• Change your alarm code if anyone outside your immediate household knows the current one
• Check that all door and window sensors are functioning correctly
• Ensure your alarm has a backup battery that will sustain it through load shedding

CCTV Cameras

• Verify all cameras are operational and recording correctly
• Check that your DVR/NVR has sufficient storage for your absence period, or enable cloud backup
• Set up remote viewing on your smartphone so you can check in from wherever you are
• Ensure cameras cover all entry points: front door, back door, garage, and side gates
• Clean camera lenses — dust and spider webs significantly reduce image quality

Electric Fence

• Test voltage at multiple points around the perimeter
• Clear vegetation that may have grown into the fence wires over summer
• Ensure the energiser has a backup power supply or is connected to a UPS
• Verify the fence alarm is connected to your main alarm system

Locks and Physical Security

• Check all door locks, deadbolts, and security gates are in good working order
• Inspect all window locks — replace any that are broken or worn
• Secure sliding doors with a secondary bar or pin lock in addition to the standard lock
• Lock your garage door and ensure the internal door from garage to house is also locked and secured
• Remove spare keys from obvious hiding spots (under doormats, in plant pots)

Creating the Illusion of Occupancy

An empty-looking home is an invitation. The goal is to make your property look lived-in even when you're not there.

Lighting

Timed or smart lighting is one of the most effective deterrents available. Set interior lights — in the lounge, bedroom, and kitchen — to switch on and off at realistic times. Avoid the same pattern every night; randomised timers are more convincing than a fixed schedule.

Motion-activated exterior lights are essential. They startle intruders, attract attention from neighbours, and are triggered by any movement around your property — including during load shedding if connected to a backup power source.

Mail and Deliveries

A full letterbox is a clear signal that nobody is home. Ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail, newspapers, and any deliveries. Cancel any regular deliveries (milk, newspapers, meal kits) for the duration of your absence.

Garden and Exterior

An overgrown garden signals absence. If you're away for more than two weeks, arrange for someone to mow the lawn and water plants. Move bins back from the kerb after collection day — bins left out for days are a tell-tale sign of an empty house.

Social Media Discipline

This cannot be overstated: do not post holiday photos, check-ins, or travel updates on social media while you are away. Save the beach photos for when you're home. Broadcasting your absence — even to a "private" audience — is a significant security risk. Criminals actively monitor social media for exactly this information.

Trusted Neighbours: Your Best Security Asset

No technology replaces the value of a trusted neighbour who is actively watching your property. Before you leave:

• Inform two or three trusted neighbours of your travel dates
• Give them an emergency contact number (yours and a local family member's)
• Ask them to report anything suspicious immediately to your armed response company and SAPS
• Provide your armed response company's number so they can call directly if needed
• Consider reciprocating — offer to watch their property when they travel

If you live in a complex or estate, notify your body corporate or estate security of your absence and provide emergency contact details.

Smart Home Security: Remote Monitoring While You're Away

Modern security technology allows you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world. If you don't already have these capabilities, December is the right time to invest:

Smart CCTV with Remote Viewing

IP cameras connected to your home network allow you to view live and recorded footage from your smartphone via an app. Look for systems with motion-triggered push notifications — you'll be alerted the moment any movement is detected on your property.

Smart Alarm Systems

Modern alarm systems can send push notifications directly to your phone when triggered, allowing you to assess the situation before your armed response company arrives. Some systems allow you to arm and disarm remotely — useful if a trusted person needs access to your home while you're away.

Smart Plugs and Lighting

Smart plugs allow you to control any lamp or appliance remotely via your smartphone. Combined with a smart lighting schedule, they create a convincing pattern of occupancy that's far more realistic than a basic timer.

What to Do If Something Goes Wrong While You're Away

Despite all precautions, incidents can happen. Have a plan in place before you leave:

• Armed response: Your armed response company is your first line of response. Ensure they have your travel dates and a local emergency contact who can attend the property if needed.
• Local contact: Identify a trusted family member or friend in Johannesburg who can attend your property in an emergency and liaise with SAPS and your insurance company.
• Insurance: Review your home contents insurance policy before you leave. Ensure your coverage is adequate and that you understand the claims process. Some policies have specific requirements around security measures that must be in place for claims to be valid.
• SAPS case number: If a break-in occurs, your local contact should open a case with SAPS immediately. A case number is required for insurance claims.

Security Upgrades Worth Considering Before Next December

If this December has highlighted gaps in your home security, use the new year to address them systematically:

• Upgrade to IP cameras with remote viewing and motion notifications
• Install a UPS or solar backup for your alarm and CCTV system to maintain protection during load shedding
• Add beam sensors to your driveway or garden for early warning of intruders before they reach the house
• Install a video doorbell to monitor your front entrance remotely
• Upgrade door locks to high-security deadbolts on all external doors
• Consider a monitored alarm upgrade if your current system is more than 5 years old

Conclusion

December doesn't have to be a stressful time for your home security. With the right preparation — a tested alarm system, functioning CCTV, a trusted neighbour, and smart occupancy simulation — you can enjoy your holiday knowing your Johannesburg home is well protected.

Planning to upgrade your security before the festive season? Contact Simplified Security for a professional assessment and installation. We'll ensure your home is as secure as possible before you head off — so you can relax and enjoy the break you've earned.