This long weekend many South Australians will be taking the opportunity to visit and support regional South Australia.

Unfortunately, some criminals may be looking to spend the long weekend breaking into unoccupied houses.  We want your vacations to be as stress-free as possible, including returning to an untouched home and vehicle.

Do the work before you go away to ensure your security is up to date. Take some time to do some reconnaissance on your own home and ensure there aren’t any faulty or loose locks on doors or windows, ensure windows can't be jimmied open, and check that deadlocks, bolts and other security features are all in good condition, and you have the keys for everything. Replace any locks that look old, brittle or aren’t particularly effective.

Don’t tempt fate by leaving out bicycles, barbecues or other expensive outdoor items.

Consider updating your old lightbulbs for smart globes that can be turned on and off remotely by an app on your phone.  Or do it the old-fashioned way with timers to turn lamps on at night to make it look as though someone is home.  Set timers on radios or TVs to come on sporadically, too.

Remove climbing opportunities.  Many people wrongly assume that if a window or door isn’t on ground level, criminals can’t get in. However, air conditioning units, window grills, green walls or latticework all act as toeholds for eager burglars, so double check access points on any level above the ground is just as heavily secured as those on street level.

Take care on the roads and concentrate on getting you and your family safely to your holiday destination.  Then you can kick back, relax and have a safe and happy holiday - you deserve it!

For more information visit: www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crime-prevention-and-security/safety-and-security-tips