MANY people will be loading their trailers, suitcases, caravans and heading to holiday destinations in the next two weeks.

Some have relatives or friends to guard their homes while holidaying, but there are those who need security services to ensure their homes are safe.

The figures from South Africa's official crime statistics released by the police in September show that 259422 residential properties have been broken into.

Gauteng was leading with 67913 break-ins and was followed by Western Cape with 50913. Third was KwaZulu-Natal with 43362 break-ins.

Security company ADT central region managing director Clive Humphrey says the festive season is a time for fun and family but also a time when safety and security must be prioritised.

He says residential burglaries increase during this time of the year and intruders are so daring that they also invade homes even if there are occupants inside or partying on the other side of the house.

He says the festive season should be a time of relaxation and giving, but people must ensure that they do not give their belongings to criminals on a silver platter.

Humphrey says intruders resort to breaking and entering because they often see this kind of crime as a quick and easy way to gain access and steal from homeowners who have not taken precautions to "skelm-proof" their homes.

He adds that thugs take their time to study the movements of their targets and their neighbourhood before they attack.

"You must always think like a burglar and take necessary preventative measures to ensure the safety and security of your belongings," says Humphrey.

Having a good relationship with neighbours helps as they sometimes notice something amiss on your property.

Joining your local neighbourhood watch will add another layer of security, Humphrey says.

Hannes Smith of insurance providers Mutual & Federal says many homes are left unattended during the festive season as people go on vacation or spend prolonged hours engaging in outdoor activities like shopping or visiting family and friends.

Statistics from Mutual & Federal indicate a spike in house-burglary insurance claims during this period as most homes are left unattended.

He says during this period, policyholders tend to claim for lost or stolen personal belongings such as jewellery, handbags, mobile phones and tablets.

"Many policyholders get shocked and traumatised after being crime victims. This is made worse when their all risks and household goods cover claims are rejected or delayed due to a misunderstanding of policy wording, terms and conditions or certain exclusions," Smith says.

He urges consumers to read their policies so they understand what they are covered for.

Smith says household goods insurance covers the content of a home against loss as described in a consumer's policy.

He says there are two options available under the all risks cover.

"General all risks covers items such as clothing that a person would normally wear or carry," Smith says.

" Specified all risks covers items such as cellphones, tools, documents, leather jackets, bicycles and surfboards."

Certain policies might exclude cover for any computer equipment or accessories, such as laptops, palmtops, notebooks, iPads and tablets.

These items should be more specifically insured under the personal computer section.

Items specifically insured elsewhere on the policy, such as motor vehicles and accessories, trailers and caravans, hang gliders, aircraft and watercraft will not be covered as part of all risks cover.