At this time of year when we are all heading off on our holidays it is a sobering thought that nearly all of around half a million burglaries in the UK each year occur when the house is unoccupied.
In order that you can relax whilst you are on holiday here at Self Guard, a Dundee based burglar alarm installer, we have put together a few tips to help you secure your home when you go on holiday.
Before you go:
- Deliveries: failed deliveries highlight that your house is unoccupied – try not to order anything just before you go or if you have to get them delivered elsewhere.
- Only tell those you trust and be aware that people you tell may mention that you are away to others who may be less trustworthy.
- Beware of social networks, don’t tell people you are going and when you are away don’t upload pictures, and wait until you come back.
- Don’t leave notes to people like the ‘milkman’, tell them directly.
- Don’t change your answering machine or use an automated email responder.
- Don’t hide a key, and if you leave one for someone looking after your home don’t leave it with your name and address attached.
- Getting a taxi to the airport – don’t give the taxi driver full details, perhaps make them think there is someone staying in the house whilst you are away.
- Don’t put home address on outbound luggage labels
Whilst you are away:
- Don’t let mail pile up at the door, get someone to move it, redirect it or hide it with a curtain.
- If you are away for a long time ensure the garden is kept tidy.
- Put lights, TV and/or radios on timers that would reflect normal occupancy.
- Consider asking someone to open and close curtains appropriately, or using home automation products.
- Leave a car parked on your drive or get a neighbour to use it for parking.
- Get someone to put your bins out on rubbish collecting day.
- Consider using a house sitter.
- Remember not to advertise your absence over social media (see point 3)
It’s not all about burglary – think fire and flood:
- Ensure that you only leave essential electrical goods running.
- Could there be a cold snap? Put your central heating on low or on a timer.
We hope this guide helps you enjoy your well deserved rest and don’t forget normal security practises like remembering to lock all your doors and windows. Additionally if you want to find out how self monitored alarms with video verification can give you complete ‘peace of mind’ give Self Guard a call!!
At this time of year when we are all heading off on our holidays it is a sobering thought that nearly all of around half a million burglaries in the UK each year occur when the house is unoccupied.
In order that you can relax whilst you are on holiday here at Self Guard, a Dundee based burglar alarm installer, we have put together a few tips to help you secure your home when you go on holiday.