Home security guide: what to do before you go on holiday

Making sure your home is secure before you go away is an important part of your holiday prepping. To avoid leaving your house in a vulnerable state whilst abroad, we’ve compiled a list of security measures you should take to protect your property from theft and break ins.

For more home security tips, check out our blog on improving your home’s security. Or, if you’re ready to start burglar-proofing your home, speak to a skilled tradesperson in your local area today.

Install a security system

It goes without saying that installing alarms and a security system is the best way to be fully armed against potential intruders. When you’re away, alarm boxes can deter thieves from trying to break in, and will notify you and the police if someone does try and get in.

We recommend you invest in a backup power source (like a generator) in case a power outage occurs whilst you’re away. Check out our burglar alarm blog for more information.

Don’t have a burglar alarm? Get one installed before you head on holiday, so you can have peace of mind that your belongings are safe.

Don’t advertise your holiday

Avoid posting on social media that you’re on holiday until you get back, as sharing that you’re away can tip off potential burglars that your home is empty. In particular, avoid sharing details about:

• Travel plans
• Where you’re going
• The duration of your holiday

Criminals use social media to search for prime targets to burgle. If you do want to post online, do so privately with close friends and family, or after you get back.

Doing so will safeguard your home and ensure you spend your holiday worry-free.

Secure all entry points

Just before you leave for your holiday, make sure all of your doors and windows are locked. If your doors are old, consider upgrading to deadbolt locks. You can also get window locks installed for added security or upgrade your windows to a more secure model.

Make sure any sliding doors are secured, adding dowels or bars to reinforce and prevent them from being forced open.

Lastly, ensure your garage doors are locked. Add a padlock to a manual garage door or consider a smart garage door opener that you can control from your phone. Double checking all entry-points before you leave will give you peace of mind that your home is locked and protected against intruders.

Upgrade your locks today with the help of a local locksmith:

Let your neighbours know

Letting trusted neighbours know that you’re heading on holiday is a really good idea. That way, they can keep an eye on your property or raise the alarm if something doesn’t look right.

If you can, ask them to take any post or parcels that start to collect on your front door step as this can alert intruders that you aren’t home.

In case of an emergency, you should leave contact information with a few neighbours so they can reach you when you’re away.

Switch lights on remotely

Setting timers or controlling your lights remotely is a good way to create the illusion that you’re home even when you’re not. Switching lights, TV, radio or other devices on, even for a few minutes twice a day, will make it seem like your home is occupied, deterring potential burglars from targeting your home.

Read more about using smart technology to protect your home, or speak to an electrician to set up smart lighting and controls in your home.

Lock up your valuables

Invest in a safe where you can put your most valuable possessions and documents when you go on holiday. Make sure the safe is secured to a wall or floor so that it cannot be stolen.

We recommend you keep a detailed inventory of your belongings (including descriptions and serial numbers). These are important for insurance claims if your valuables do get stolen.

Going on holiday is an exciting time. Avoid any disasters from happening and give yourself some peace of mind when abroad by ensuring you prep properly for your departure.

Our tradespeople are here to help. Simply request a quote to get started.