Going on holiday should mean rest and relaxation, but at the same time, leaving your home unoccupied for days on end can be a huge source of anxiety. That’s why we have compiled a list of our top tips for keeping your home secure while you’re away this summer, so that you can enjoy your time on the beach with a piña colada, knowing your home will be exactly the same when you return.
1. Secure your home's entry points
Before leaving for your holiday, check and double-check that ALL of your doors and windows are locked. It can be easy to forget to lock side doors, sheds and garages when you’re going away, but this leaves easy access into your property for burglars, particularly those who are willing to try each and every door.
The same can be said for damaged windows or doors, so ensure any damages to the entry points of your home (no matter how minor) are fixed before you leave for your holiday.
2. Don’t publicise your absence
In the age of social media, it can be tempting to update your followers in real-time with what you’re up to on your holiday. However, if this information gets into the wrong hands and a burglar is informed that your home and all your worldly possessions are unattended, it makes your home a huge target for a break in. You'd be surprised how many burglars target homes after seeing people posting holiday pictures on social media!
You are far better off keeping your home safe and updating everyone on your adventures once you return.
3. Cancel or reschedule your regular deliveries
You don't want parcels and other deliveries to pile up on your doorstep while you're out of town. Not only does this signify that no one has left or entered the house in a while, it also makes it easy for thieves to pinch your parcels.
Consider rescheduling planned deliveries and/or temporarily cancelling any subscription services that deliver to your door - that way, you're not giving away that no one's home.
4. Make it look like someone’s home
If you've ever seen Home Alone, then you'll know exactly where this is going! Here are a few things you can do to deter potential thieves:
- Invest in automatic light timers
- Leave a car on the drive (if you're willing to risk it!)
- Leave some of your upstairs curtains open
5. Enlist help from your neighbours
Informing a trusted neighbour about your holiday plans so they can keep an eye on your property is always a good idea. This should give you some peace of mind that your belongings are safe, plus it will help you to feel less anxious about emergencies like house fires.
On that note, ensuring your property has a good fire alarm system is also beneficial. That way, if the worst does happen, neighbours and authorities will be alerted ASAP.
6. Don’t leave valuables in plain sight
Before going on holiday, ensure that you hide all valuables from view. It may even be worth looking in through your own windows and seeing what's visible from outside. Put yourself in the burglar's shoes!
Ask yourself what items you consider valuable and think about where to conceal them. Choose a good hiding place that's not too obvious - see Where to Store Valuables at Home.
7. Invest in a good home security system
By far the best way to keep your house secure while on holiday is to install a good quality home security system - after all, the one thing your average burglar wants to avoid at all costs is getting caught! Not only will a home security system immediately alert police in the event of a break-in, but it will also provide excellent evidence of the crime if this becomes necessary later on.
Here at IDS Security, we install and maintain a wide range of security systems, including:
Get in touch today or request a FREE security survey and one of our experienced engineers will advise you on the best solution for your requirements.
FREE Security Survey
Safe travels!
