Holidays: they seem a lifetime ago, don’t they? But hopefully we will soon once again be able to enjoy the pleasures of a week away at the beach, or a short break hiking through beautiful countryside. How best to keep your home looking lived-in is often a matter for debate (and no, simply leaving the hall light on will not suffice!) Read on for some helpful tips as to how to protect your property while you are away on holiday.
Firstly, keep your holiday plans under wraps! It’s tempting to demonstrate your excitement on social media, but this information can easily get into the wrong hands, and handing over your entire holiday itinerary to potential burglars may not be the best idea.
If you are close to your neighbours, it’s a good idea to let them know of your plans and ask them to keep an eye open for any suspicious activity. You could even ask a neighbour to park in your drive if you are taking your car with you, making the home appear occupied during your time away. Neighbours are a wonderful security system, so make use of them.
Never before have we had access to such an array of smart technology; from lights that switch on and off according to your daily routine, to blinds and curtains that open and close; your house can continue to appear lived in even when it’s not.
Make sure all entry points are secure, and windows closed and locked. It’s worth considering installing window locks and an alarm system, or even a dummy box on the front of your house. Burglars will usually break into the least secure house in the area; don’t let that house be yours!
And finally, check that your home insurance covers you in case your home is broken into while you are away; many have a caveat that you can’t be away for more than a specified number of days at a time, or more than an accumulated total over a period of a year.
