Going on a well-deserved trip can often start with worry from homeowners that their house may not be safe during their time away. In some cases, an empty property for a prolonged period of time can present an appealing opportunity for burglars. However, with some proactive planning and smart security measures, you can significantly reduce the risk and enjoy your holiday with genuine peace of mind.
Home security expert Jason Johnson at HomeHow.co.uk has listed the top 10 best practices to follow before embarking on your trip, to ensure your home remains safe and secure.
Reinforce Your Doors and Locks
The first line of defence for your home is a sturdy perimeter. Mr Johnson says to invest in high-quality deadbolts for your external doors, also ensuring door locks are securely anchored into your doorframe for extra security.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
One of the most effective deterrents for burglars is to make your home appear as if someone is still there. Consider investing in smart plugs or simple timers for your internal lights and set them to come off and on at various times throughout the day and night, mimicking the normal occupancy patterns.
A build-up of mail or packages is a clear sign that nobody is home. The expert suggests arranging for a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your post each day.
Install CCTV
CCTV is one of the best ways to deter burglars, particularly if you make it obvious that you have CCTV at the property. Modern smart CCTV systems will send a notification to your phone, alerting you of anyone on your property. They can do this by detecting movement. These recordings can be kept to pass on to local law enforcement in the event of a burglary.
Deter The Intruders
Floodlights and motion-censored lights are great options for scaring off intruders as lights will cast a spotlight on anyone approaching your home
Mr Johnson also says to trim any overgrown bushes and trees around your property to minimise any potential hiding places for intruders.
Keep Your Valuables Safe
Keep all of your valuables out of sight and avoid displaying any expensive electronics, jewellery, or prized possessions in view through your windows. Avoid leaving things like tablets, laptops, and other portable electronics in plain sight too.
Secure Your Garage and Shed
Mr Johnson says to not forget to secure your outbuildings, such as garages and sheds. Even if you don’t store anything valuable in these spaces, intruders could cause damage, so you don’t want to make it easy for people to break into them.
Invest in Signage
Signs around your property can make a big difference in whether or not an intruder targets your home. Consider investing in warning signs that state that your home is protected by an alarm or security cameras.
Install Alarms
Install an accredited burglar system with audio alarm boxes mounted high up at the front and rear of your property. Placing them high on your property will prevent them from being tampered with. Plus, it will allow the sound to travel further.
Think About Lighting
Installing motion-detecting lights at the front and rear of your property will prevent burglars from sneaking up on your property without being seen. Solar lights are a great option as they don’t cost anything to run.
Don’t Announce Your Absence
Social media is a common culprit for inadvertently informing criminals of your holiday plans. Resist the urge to post holiday photos or updates until you have returned home. Mr Johnson also says to not leave a message on your phone saying that you’re on holiday.