Six tips for improving security around your home
1) Improve outdoor lighting
Ensure that streets, driveways, and front yards are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights around homes deter trespassers by reducing hiding spots and illuminating their movements.
2) Trim your trees
Overgrown shrubs and trees provide cover for intruders. Keeping them well-trimmed around windows and doors improves visibility and reduces potential hiding spots.
3) Secure Entry Points
Ensure doors, windows, and gates are always closed when you are away from the house. Upgrade to more secure locks, deadbolts, or even smart locks for added protection.
4) Add a security camera
Place security cameras in the main entry points to your home. Doorbell cameras are also relatively cheap and a great way to keep track of who is visiting your home when you aren't there.
5) Start a Neighborhood Watch Program
You could reach out to members on Neighbourly to form a group of neighbors who can regularly keep an eye out for suspicious activity and report it. You could also check with Neighbourhood Support to see what is existing in your area.
6) Introduce yourself to your neighbours
The closer you are to your neighbors, the more likely they’ll notice when something unusual or suspicious is happening around your property
Feel free to share anything that you do around your area to deter crime.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.6% 1st December
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17.5% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
I am looking for someone who wants to renovate or refresh their kitchen
Makeover your kitchen the easy way!
Dear group,
I hope you are all doing well! I posted a few days ago and I wanted to check again to see if anyone is interested in refreshing their kitchen without removing any furniture or appliances.
I am offering to renovate the kitchen with high-quality vinyl wrap. Which costs about $100 per meter. You only pay for the materials. I would be happy to receive a small credit for my work at the end. This way we can work together to find a cost-effective solution that will make your kitchen look fresh and modern.
If you are interested or have any questions, it would be great if you could send me pictures of your kitchen cabinets. This way I can better estimate how much material we will need and give you a more accurate cost estimate.
I am still gaining experience in this area and hope that with your help I can continue to improve my skills. I look forward to your feedback and to creating something great together!