The TOPS way to secure your valuables this festive season

With Diwali and the auspicious wedding season getting closer, the festivities around us are in full-swing.  While we are busy with the arrangements and the actual celebrations, most of us may not pay adequate attention towards ensuring the safety of our valuables, be it gifts, gizmos, art, jewellery or even family heirlooms.    

 Statistics reveal that there is a sharp increase in break-ins and robberies at this time of the year as criminals are aware that most houses are laden with gifts and valuables. “During the festive/wedding season, it is easy to let your guard down and overlook the security aspect in the midst of all the celebratory mayhem.  Thieves are just waiting for an opportunity to strike when we least expect them to. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that they do not have easy access to our homes or valuables. Our experience shows that caution coupled with common sense can prevent many incidents of theft. Also, having the right security software and personnel are important elements that cannot be overlooked,” says Mr. Nilendu Mitra, Sr. VP Marketing and Communication, TOPSGRUP.

Not leaving valuables in plain sight is the first step that householders need to take. Background checks of domestic help should be updated and one must avoid hiring any unknown persons to help around the house. Family members, especially children and the elderly should exercise caution while talking to outsiders about the value or location of the gifts/valuables, daily schedules of other family members or even holiday plans. “Keeping jewelry and expensive family heirlooms in a secured bank locker is a smart thing to do. Or you may install a biometric safe at home to thwart any break-ins. Also, make sure that your valuables are insured,” he recommends.

If you are going away on holiday, try to make it seem like the house is being lived in. Remember to lock all windows and doors and set intruder alarms. Have adequate exterior lighting as this deters thieves from breaking in. Ask the newspaper/mail/milk man to discontinue service till you return. Make use of timer switches to turn on lights that would normally be on when you are at home. Inform your neighbours and request them to keep a look-out for any suspicious activities  

During wedding ceremonies, it becomes particularly difficult to keep track of the invitees. There are many instances where thieves pose as family members and have easy access to jewellery and other valuable items, especially when the functions are at home.  “Having a list of invitees handy is useful.  You many also depute one family member to keep a check on uninvited guests and report any suspicious behavior.  If the function is very high-profile, one many even avail the services of trained plain-clothes security personnel to avoid any untoward incidents” he says.    
 He further adds, “Investing in the services of a security solutions provider that provides holistic services and takes care of manned guarding, electronic surveillance and other critical aspects would go a long way in securing your home and valuable assets, not just in the festive season but also throughout the year.”

So remember, don’t let thieves dampen the festive spirit; deal with them the TOPS way!