As the summer holidays are underway and you’re gearing up for your annual trip away, we look at ways to keep your home safe whilst it’s left unoccupied.
Although the summer is a time to get away and have fun, it can, unfortunately, be a time when criminals are on the lookout for properties left unattended. Burglars are known to be opportunistic, and prey on houses and flats when they know they are likely to be empty.
According to the Metropolitan Police, they look for signs such as the driveaway being empty, doors or windows being left open, or signs that nobody is home.
Statistics show that in 2023/24 there were 266,489 burglaries in England and Wales. And although that is a slight decline on the previous year, it is still a concerning figure.
In this article, we round up some ways to keep your home safe while you are on holiday.
1) Be careful on social media
Although it can be tempting to show off your holiday on social media, it can give potential thieves the green light as they know your house is empty.
Try to resist posting until you return from your break, to ensure your home is safe while you’re not there. Also, be careful and take into consideration who you tell about your holiday.
2) Make your home look occupied
An empty home can be an invitation to burglars who want an easy target. Some of the tell-tale signs that you’re away include the following:
- An empty drive
- No lights on
- Deliveries sat by the front door
- Rubbish bins that haven’t been emptied or returned to their normal position after some time
- Curtains that have been left open or closed for a long time
3) Hide valuables
In many cases, burglars will target properties they know have valuables to steal. For example, if they can see a large television through a window, or a posh car on the drive, it may tempt criminals. Ensure that anything valuable is out of sight, or even put them in a fitted and secure safe if you have one.
4) Get an alarm system
An alarm system can deter criminals if they’re worried they’re going to be caught. For example, have a CCTV system or smart doorbell fitted, which will alert you of any unexpected activity while you’re away. Having an alarm system fitted may also reduce your home insurance premiums.
Types of alarms:
- Bell-only alarms – A traditional burglar alarm that sounds when movement is detected.
The loud noise will alert you or someone else in the area. These types of alarms are ideal if you live in a built-up area and have friends/relatives nearby. The classic alarms are a lot easier to set up.
- Monitored alarm-systems
Alarm monitoring systems are designed to give rapid communication between a home security system and the security provider’s monitoring station.
If a threat occurs in or around your home, the central security monitoring station will be contacted. From there, your security provider will take the necessary actions to alert the local authorities and check in with the homeowner to ensure the system was not falsely triggered.
- Smart burglar alarms
A smart burglar alarm is a WiFi-based detection system that includes a wireless camera and motion sensors. It connects to your smartphone or tablet, allowing you to watch footage from the camera and receive alerts for intruders even when you’re away
5) Neighbours
Neighbours, family and friends that live in the area can be vital to ensure your property is kept safe. If you have someone nearby who you trust with a house key, ask them to check in on the property, move piled-up post, bring the bins in or open or close the curtains to make the home look occupied.
This will show potential thieves that the property is being looked after and may deter them from any criminal activity.
Further reading
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WHAT TO DO NEXT
To make a start on the next step in your property journey, get in touch today to book a consultation with a member of our team. Call us on 0113 218 5727 to find out how we can help you.
