THE final Medowie Neighbourhood Watch meeting for 2017 during its re-launch year focused on holiday safety, and preparing homes if you are going away.

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It also shared Medowie crime statistics from the police representatives, and some positive information about the group’s quest to purchase a set of community security cameras.

More details on these cameras will be provided in the new year, when the neighbourhood watch group is hoping to launch the camera system, which will be free to hire for Medowie residents.

Christmas is almost here and for many, this means time away on a much needed holiday or break with family and friends.

Medowie Neighbourhood Watch this month discussed some ways to make sure that your home is exactly how you left it when you come home.

Here are a few tips to help keep your house safe and secure while you are away.

Lock up when you leave: It seems obvious, but it is very easy to forget an important lock with everything else to worry about.

All doors including balcony doors and garage doors, all windows and even garden sheds and gates accessing your property should be locked.

Keep your holiday off social media: Do you really know who is watching online? Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and other platforms can be accessed by more than just your friends and family, so lock down your privacy settings.

Make your home seem occupied: Cancel all deliveries including newspapers.

Get the post office to hold your mail and use timers to turn off lights and radios while you are away.

Forward calls from your home phone to your mobile if practical and install sensor lighting.

A little help from your friends: Organise a friend to house sit and pet sit, if needed.

Get your friends or neighbours to put your bins out for collection and to use them for some of their own rubbish.

Finally, do not leave your valuables in the open, and if leaving your car, keep your keys out of sight.

If you follow this advice, you will hopefully return to a safe and secure home.

Enjoy your holidays.

Stay tuned for neighbourhood watch information in the new year, new members are always welcome.

By Rachael VAUGHAN