After the June long weekend is over, the Fleurieu and KI Police are encouraging holiday home owners to follow some tips to reduce the opportunity for thieves when their property becomes vacant.

To reduce the chances of your home being broken into, follow these tips:

* Ensure appropriate keyed locks are fitted to all doors and windows.

* Even when you are outside, be sure to lock all doors and windows.

* Lock gates, garages and sheds when not in use.

* House keys, car keys and garage remote controls should be kept in a safe location. Thieves may use them to gain entry to your home or to steal your car.

* Install and activate an alarm system.

* Keep trees and bushes in front of doors and windows trimmed to avoid being used as hiding places.

* Lock all garden tools and ladders away securely so they cannot be used to break into your home.

* Don’t leave valuables in obvious places. Thieves often target jewellery in jewellery boxes on bedroom dressers and other valuables in bedside drawers and cupboards.

* Break down packaging of expensive items and place it in your bin. Don’t leave it next to your bin on the street.

* Lock your meter box to prevent thieves interfering with your power supply (contact your local electricity provider for more information).

Mark Valuable Property

* Use an engraver, ultra violet (UV) pen or microdots to mark property.

* UV pens are best used for items that cannot be engraved e.g. ceramics, antiques etc.

* Mark your valuables with your driver’s licence number, prefixed by the letter ‘S’ for South Australia e.g. S123456.

* Photograph jewellery with a ruler beside it to give an indication of the actual size.

* Record all details on a property record and keep this in a safe place.

For further home security crime prevention information please visit https://www.police.sa.gov.au/your-safety/crime-prevention-and-security/

If you see anything suspicious around vacant holiday homes, please call the police assistance line on 131 444.

If you know something, say something, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or report online at www.crimestopperssa.com.au