You've loaded your luggage, activated your out-of-office message, and are ready for a well-earned holiday. But before you relax, have you considered whether your home is safe while away?
Although burglary rates have dropped by 4.8% since 2023, homes are still at risk, with 4.14 burglaries for every 1,000 people. An unoccupied house can be a simple target, mainly if intruders observe indications that no one is present.
Imagine getting a security alert at the beach or a call from a worried neighbour about suspicious activity near your house. The last thing you want is to fret about your home while on holiday.
Fortunately, several straightforward precautions can significantly enhance your home’s security so you can enjoy your journey without stress. Let's look at five essential tips for securing your home while away.
Pro Tips for Protecting Your Home While Traveling
Here are five tips to help you protect your home while you travel:
Tip 1: Make Your Home Look Occupied
Burglars often target homes that look empty. To keep your home safe, make it appear lived-in.
- Utilise timer switches to turn lights on and off at different times in the evening. Smart home systems can also control lights, TVs, and radios from afar.
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbour to collect your mail and remove your bins. A mail or full bin pile can signal that no one is home.
- If you have a driveway, see if a neighbour can occasionally park their car.
- Keep your curtains and blinds in their usual position. Closing blinds fully during the day can signal that no one is home.
Tip 2: Upgrade Your Locks and Security Measures
A strong lock is your first line of defence against burglars. In fact, 43% of people feel good about using biometric authentication instead of keys. This showcases that more people trust advanced safety features. Whether your locks are old or do not meet British security standards, consider upgrading them.
- Ensure all outside doors have British Standard BS3621 locks, which are more resistant to break-ins.
- Add deadbolts and reinforced strike plates for extra safety.
- Ensure all windows have secure locks - burglars often enter through unlocked windows.
- Smart locks let you lock and unlock your doors remotely, giving you extra peace of mind while you’re away.
Tip 3: Secure Entry Points Beyond Just Doors
While doors and windows are common entry points, burglars often exploit less obvious weak spots.
- Ensure to lock garages, sheds, and back gates with strong padlocks.
- Use motion-sensor lights to brighten dark areas around your home and aid deter intruders.
- Consider installing CCTV cameras or a video doorbell to watch your home from afar and talk to visitors through your phone.
- Strengthen your fences and garden gates - a well-secured perimeter makes it harder for potential burglars to get in.
Tip 4: Be Cautious About Social Media and Deliveries
We all enjoy sharing photos from our trips, but posting about your travels while you’re away can put your home at risk.
According to The Guardian, parcel thefts in the UK increased by 57%, with an estimated £376 million worth of goods stolen. With burglaries and thefts on the rise, it’s essential to remember what you share online and how you cope with deliveries even when you’re away.
- Don’t announce your holiday plans online before or during your trip. Burglars can look at social media to find empty homes to target.
- Pause deliveries or use the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service, which holds your mail for up to 100 days to stop letters from piling up.
- Unplug unnecessary electronics to reduce fire hazards and save energy.
Tip 5: Invest in Professional Home Security System
A monitored security system offers extra protection. These systems alert you about possible break-ins and allow you to contact security personnel or the police.
- You get 24/7 protection with monitored alarms, even when you’re away.
- Smart security systems let you check-in through an application.
- Professional installation ensures that all entry points are well protected.
It’s always recommended to explore reliable security solutions, seek expert advice, and invest in quality security products. For more information, click here.
Conclusion
To ensure a worry-free holiday, implement these essential steps to secure your home.
To lower the chances of a break-in, make your home look live-in, lock all entry points, and be cautious online. For added safety, consider installing a home security system.
Preparation makes a big difference, so pack your bags, stay organised for your trip, and enjoy every moment. Peace of mind is your best travel companion.
