Planning a holiday is exciting, but leaving your home unattended can bring concerns, even with CCTV. Burglars often target empty properties, especially during school holidays when many families are often away.
That’s why taking time to secure your home properly is just as important as packing your suitcase. Anything is better than leaving things to chance.
Follow these practical tips to leave with peace of mind and return without any nasty surprises.
Check All Doors and Windows
Before you head out, double-check every door and window. Even small bathroom windows can offer easy access to opportunistic intruders. Don’t just rely on a quick glance, physically test locks to make sure everything is secure.
Upgrade to High-Security Padlocks
Garages, sheds, and back gates are often overlooked and can contain expensive power tools or valuables in storage. These access points can be easy targets if they’re secured with flimsy locks.
Using high-security padlocks gives added protection. Reliable retailers like Nothing But Padlocks provide padlock options for outdoor use, including weatherproof and closed shackle designs.
Don’t Announce Your Absence
It might be tempting to post beach snaps in real-time, but sharing your holiday online publicly can advertise an empty home. If your profiles are set to private, you should be okay. If not, maybe avoid posting your travel plans or location updates until you’re back.
Ask a Friend or Neighbour for Help
If someone trustworthy can pop by while you’re away, ask them to:
- Collect post and deliveries
- Water plants
- Put out bins on the usual day
- Park a car in your driveway
These small actions help make the home appear lived in, which deters unwanted attention.
Use Light Timers and Smart Plugs
Using light timers or smart plugs is a simple but effective way to make your home appear occupied while you’re away. Leaving the house in complete darkness for days can signal to opportunistic intruders that no one is home.
By setting lights to turn on during the evening, varying the timing across different rooms, and even combining them with a radio, you can create a more convincing illusion of activity and the perception someone is home.
Secure Valuables and Important Documents
Might be obvious, but limit what is visible from the windows that might entice a break-in. It’s also important to secure any valuables and sensitive documents before you leave. Jewellery, cash, or personal papers should never be left in plain sight.
Instead, store them in a home safe, and keep curtains slightly open to avoid drawing suspicion. Try not to use obvious hiding places like under the bed or in kitchen drawers, as these are often the first spots burglars check.
Lock Your Wi-Fi and Smart Devices
If you’re using smart devices like cameras or alarms, ensure your Wi-Fi is protected with a strong password. Update firmware before leaving, and test remote access to make sure everything is working properly.
Turn Off and Unplug Appliances
Unplugging non-essential devices lowers the risk of fire or electrical faults. Focus on:
- TVs and gaming consoles
- Kitchen appliances like toasters and kettles
- Chargers and extension leads
You’ll also save energy while you’re away.
Consider an Alarm System or CCTV
For extended trips or peace of mind, installing a home alarm or CCTV system might be worthwhile. Many modern systems allow remote monitoring, so you can check in from your phone anytime.
Make Your Holiday Worry-Free
A few simple steps before you leave can make all the difference. From checking locks to using smart lights, you’ll be taking the right precautions to keep your home secure. Stay safe, enjoy your trip, and come back to exactly what you left behind.
Before You Travel: Extra Peace-of-Mind Tips
Before heading off on your trip, take a few extra steps to ensure you’ve covered all bases, beyond just locking up.
1. Review Your Travel Insurance
Make sure your travel insurance covers everything you need, from trip cancellations to emergency medical cover. If you’ve recently upgraded your gadgets or booked expensive excursions, double-check they’re included in your policy.
2. Pause or Forward Your Post
Nothing signals an empty home more than a pile of letters on the doormat. You can use the Royal Mail Keep Safe service to pause deliveries while you’re away or have important post forwarded to a trusted friend or family member.
3. Notify a Trusted Neighbour or Friend
Even if someone isn’t checking in daily, having a neighbour aware of your absence means they can report anything suspicious. They could also pop round to draw curtains or move bins, little things that make your home look lived in.
4. Check Your Home Insurance Small Print
Many home insurance policies have clauses about how long a property can be left unoccupied. Some require someone to visit the home every 7 or 30 days to remain valid. Be sure to check yours and plan accordingly to avoid invalidating your cover.
5. Use Trusted Community Resources
For added security and crime prevention tips, consider visiting:
- Crimestoppers UK – Report any concerns anonymously
- Neighbourhood Watch – Join or start a local group
- Police.uk – Find your local policing team and crime stats
Taking these extra steps will help you travel with confidence, knowing your home is protected and prepared while you’re away.
