Expert shares tips on how to secure home while out of town for Christmas

Residents stop to appreciate houses decorated with Christmas lights along Merced Street, Barangay 683 in Paco, Manila to welcome the Yuletide season on Sunday. ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA — As many go on vacation this Christmas break, a security expert reminded Filipinos on Thursday to secure their homes before leaving so they can enjoy their trips without the fear of break-ins and theft.

Snooky Cruz, a security training consultant at G Studios and Octagear, said buying physical security devices like triple locks, a CCTV that covers the whole perimeter of your house, and even electric fences are worthwhile investments.

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“Ang problema sa security is if we set up all the measures and walang nangyayari, feeling natin, sayang naman yung ginastos natin. Actually kaya walang nangyayari kasi maganda yung security mo,” he said.

But he added that there are other ways to secure your property without breaking the bank.

These include getting a guard dog and training family members as well as the house help to be alert.

He particularly advised people to be wary of bogus couriers.

“‘May package po kami. Malaki ho, hindi namin mailusot sa fence. Kailangan niyong kunin.’ Binuksan niyo 'yung gate o door, tinutukan siya ng baril. So she is the one that breaks the entire system,” he said.

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“So you have to brief. Kunyari hindi magkasya? Oh sir, iwan niyo na lang sa labas. Mamaya ko na lang kukunin,” he added.

Cruz also said to not leave anything valuable outside your house that may attract robbers such as bicycles.

PNP WARNING

According to the Philippine National Police (PNP), it has so far recorded nearly 200 home break-ins since the start of September or the so-called ber months. This is lower than the 359 incidents reported last year.

Still, the PNP said the public should stay vigilant especially since lawless elements are no longer just in the streets but also on cyberspace.

“Iwasan magpost sa social media ng schedule nila ng pupuntahan, mga biyahe nila, mga plane tickets nila. Parang brinoadcast na kasi natin na wala tayo sa bahay. Pag nakabalik na lang sila sa bahay nila magpost ng kanilang mga bakasyon,” said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo.

Fajardo also warned against falling for online scams, which more often than not, always seem to be too good to be true.

And always verify who you’re sending an “e-aguinaldo” to this Christmas, she added. 

“Kasi marami na po tayong modus operandi, yung phishing. Akala mo kausap mo ay yung kaibigan, kaanak, yun pala nanakaw na pala ang cellphone. Ngayon pati boses nagagaya na kaya mag-ingat po tayo,” she said.

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