So what are the signs that a potential thief may take note of? The biggest giveaway is if your interior or exterior lights are left burning 24 hours a day.

There's an easy way around this: any reputable hardware store will be able to supply inexpensive timers that can be fitted not only to light switches but also to electronic devices such as televisions. Exterior lights that detect motion are also an excellent deterrent.

Clear your postbox

A build-up of uncollected newspapers, mail and advertising fliers are also a give-away; so rather ask a trusted friend or neighbour to clear your postbox while you are away.

"If your house is on the market, you may want to ask your estate agent to take care of this for you," says Ronan McCool, Operation Director for Re/Max of Southern Africa.

"Also be sure to leave a contact list with both your estate agent as well as your security company, in case problems are encountered while you are away."

Likewise, if you are listed in the telephone directory, do not leave a message on your answering machine informing callers that you are away. The message that burglars will receive is that they have plenty of time to break in and clean you out.

Fire

Of course a burglary is not the only threat to your home: McCool says your home may have a fire or there could be a flooding of your premises.

"We often find that home owners leave home without turning off gas mains, or closing taps to appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers and even toilets. And remember to turn off your geyser ? this will save money and energy."

Before you head off on your year-end holiday, ensure that your insurance polices are all up to date ? personal as well as those on your property. Take into account any additional value you may have added to your home in the form of home improvements or renovations.

Routine change

"Home owners about to sell their homes often add value to make the property more attractive. Yet many forget to add the extra value onto their insurance policies," McCool adds.

But it's not only holiday-goers who need to ensure that their safety measures are up to scratch: burglars often keep an eye on potential targets by looking out for any change in routine that may occur at this time of the year. That means even if you're around, any routine changes could send a dangerous signal to crooks.

For example, you may have holiday visitors and feel that you need to change your security routine to accommodate your guests, in so doing switching off your alarm to allow kids to come and go at all times of the day and night.

Yet this is not a good idea and don't be tempted to leave the alarm off, as burglars count on homeowners letting their guard down at this time of year, and view homes with visitors as potentially easy targets.

Beware of your rubbish

This is "not to mention the added value in goods such as presents, personal belongings and even vehicles that visitors bring with them at this time of year", McCool says.

Be careful, too, as to how and what you put out with the rubbish. Expensive gifts usually come in highly attractive (and often large) packaging, informing criminals that a valuable new item is now inside the home. Cut up large packages and dispose of the evidence discreetly, McCool suggests.

Burglars also look for easy access and quick escape routes. A Christmas tree lit up in the window may be beautifully visible from the street, but so will the presents beneath it ? a tempting target for a smash and grab operation.

Notes McCool: "Whether you?ll be home for the holidays or away, a policy of safety and security first will ensure the festive cheer lasts all season long."