Holidays are something to look forward to, but it’s amazing how quickly your mind drifts back to home once you’ve left. Did you lock the back door? Did you remember to set the alarm? Are all the windows closed?
In reality, most homes are left empty without any problems at all. Leaving any home unoccupied isn’t without risk. It’s about making your property a less obvious target to an opportunistic burglar, by taking a few simple precautions before you leave.
The good news is that improving your home security doesn’t have to involve expensive gadgets or the latest technology. A few sensible checks before you leave can make your home less appealing and help you enjoy your holiday with one less thing to worry about.
Start with the locks
Before thinking about alarms or cameras, take a look at the locks protecting your home.
Most homeowners don’t know what type of locks they actually have, and that’s perfectly normal. If they’ve never caused a problem, they’ve probably never needed much thought. But older locks don’t always offer the same level of protection as newer ones.
Let’s take uPVC doors as an example. Lots of these are fitted with euro cylinder locks. If they’re an older design, upgrading to anti-snap cylinders can provide much better protection against one of the most common methods used to break this type of lock and gain easy entry.
Timber doors should have a good quality British Standard mortice lock, while patio and French doors should close securely without any movement or visible gaps.
If you’re unsure whether your locks are up to scratch, it’s worth getting them checked by your local locksmith before you travel. Replacing a worn or outdated lock is usually much cheaper than dealing with the aftermath of a break-in!
Walk around your home before you leave
It sounds obvious, but one final walk around the house can make all the difference.
Make sure you check every window, not just the ones downstairs. Upstairs windows are sometimes forgotten because they seem out of reach, but garages, extensions and garden furniture can all be used to provide access.
Don’t forget side doors, conservatories, garages and sheds as well. These can be easier to access than the main property and often contain tools that could then be used to force entry elsewhere.
Taking five minutes to double-check everything before you lock the front door is time well spent.
Make it look like someone is still home
One of the simplest ways to improve home security is to make your property look like someone is there.
A lamp plugged into a timer can come on during the evening, while smart lighting can vary when lights switch on and off rather than following exactly the same routine every day.
If you have external lighting, try using a motion sensor rather than leaving lights on all the time. A sudden light coming on when someone comes to the property is often more effective than constant lights being on.
If you’re going away for more than a few days, ask a neighbour if they wouldn’t mind pulling your bins back in or collecting any parcels that arrive on the doorstep. Small things like this help create the impression that someone is still coming and going.
Think carefully before posting on social media
We know people love to upload photos while you’re relaxing on the beach or exploring somewhere new. But is it really worth the risk of letting everybody know you’re far from home?
The problem is that public posts can unintentionally advertise that your house is sat empty. If your social media accounts aren’t private, or you have people you don’t know very well following you, think about saving the holiday photos to post when you’re back home.
That way, you still get to share your memories with family and friends, but you’re not announcing that your house has been left unoccupied and inviting unwanted attention.
Keep valuables out of sight
If someone does look through a window, don’t give them a reason to come inside.
Jewellery, laptops, handbags and expensive electronics should be kept out of view where possible. If you own a home safe, it’s worth using it for important documents, passports and smaller valuables while you’re away.
Car keys are another thing people often overlook. Rather than leaving them on a hallway table or hooks near the front door, store them somewhere less obvious. Many burglaries involve stealing the keys first, making it much easier to steal a vehicle in the process.
Get the most from your alarm system
If your property has an alarm, don’t just set it and hope for the best.
Test it before you leave and make sure the batteries are still working. Modern alarm systems often include entry sensors on doors and windows, as well as the ability to send security alerts straight to your phone if they’re triggered.
Even if you’re hundreds of miles away, being notified quickly allows you to contact a neighbour or your security service if you have one monitoring the property.
Technology has made it much easier to keep an eye on your home, even when you’re enjoying a holiday abroad.
Don’t make life easier for burglars
There are a few common habits that are worth avoiding.
Leaving a spare key under the doormat or inside a nearby plant pot might seem convenient, but these are often the first places someone will check.
Also avoid leaving ladders outside, and lock away tools that could be used to force entry. Even wheelie bins can provide a handy platform to reach an upstairs window if they’re left in the wrong place.
Making your home slightly more difficult to access is often enough to encourage an opportunist to move onto the next easy target.
Check your insurance before you travel
It’s easy to forget about your home insurance until you actually need it.
Before going away, spend some time checking your insurance policies. Some insurers include conditions about how long a property can be left empty or expect certain standards of security, such as approved door locks.
It’s a quick job, but one that could save complications if you ever needed to make a claim.
A quick holiday home security checklist
Before setting off, make sure you’ve done the following:
- Locked every door and window.
- Set your alarm.
- Switched lights onto timers.
- Checked your external lighting is working.
- Stored valuables and important documents safely.
- Put car keys somewhere out of sight.
- Locked sheds, garages and side gates.
- Asked someone you trust to keep an eye on the property.
- Avoided posting that you’re away until you return.
Enjoy your holiday with confidence
Nobody can be sure that a home will never be targeted, but a little preparation goes a long way.
Strong locks, sensible habits and a few modern security features can make your property much less attractive to opportunistic criminals. Most of these checks only take a few minutes, but they can make a real difference to both your home’s security and your own peace of mind.
If you’re planning a holiday and aren’t sure whether your current locks are providing the protection they should, having them checked before you travel can be a worthwhile investment. It’s one less thing to think about while you’re relaxing away from home.
