Whether you’re looking forward to an exciting adventure or restful holiday away from home, one thing that will give you peace of mind is knowing that your home and the valuables it contains are safe. We look at some of the ways you can disguise the fact that you are not at home, not only to deter burglars, but also to ensure that nothing else goes wrong while you are away.
Home and contents insurance
Check your policy to ensure that your home remains covered for the whole period you are away, as some policies restrict the number of days a property can be left vacant in any one year and can be rendered void if you’re away for longer.
You may have insurance cover for some of your valuables, such as jewellery, for taking them out of the home. If you haven’t arranged separate travel insurance to cover these items, check that your home insurance covers them for being taken outside the home.
If you have arranged a house or pet sitter, check that your insurance covers their use of your home in your absence.
Windows and doors
Ensure doors and windows are locked. Never leave the keys in the locks, as a hand slipped through a broken window pane, or quietly removed window glass, will easily be able to turn the key and gain access. Make sure garage doors and gates are locked, too.
Heating and appliances
If you’re away during the winter, keep the heating on as normal to ensure your home stays comfortable and protect pipes from freezing. Switch off all unused appliances at the wall.
Keep your home looking occupied
Motion sensors, security lights and cameras can be good deterrents, but to make the house seem occupied there are other things to consider. A British Standard approved security alarm set when leaving your home and at night will alert your neighbours to a break in, and those with a smartphone app will let you to activate the alarm system remotely, or even allow you to monitor your home, alerting you to suspicious activity.
Cancel any regular deliveries and ensure that post doesn’t stack up against a glass door, perhaps by asking someone you trust to check for you or signing up to Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service, who will store your post for you for a small fee.
Before you leave, mow the lawn and take in any laundry. Move potted plants that might wither into a sheltered spot. You might want to ask your trusted someone to water your indoor plants, too.
Ask a neighbour to park in your spot while you’re away.
Leave some curtains open and some closed or part closed. Closed curtains during the day can be a give away. Lights on timers or that come on when it gets dark can make the home look lived in, but make sure they can’t be directly viewed through the window.
Tools and ladders
Lock any tools or ladders away while you’re away, as they can be easily used to break into our property. After all, what opportunistic burglar is going to bring his own ladder?
Keeping valuables safe
Remove any valuables from view through windows and hide away anything especially valuable. Your underwear drawer and fake food tins are obvious places to look, so choose somewhere less likely. Spreading your valuables around the home will make it less likely they will all be found. A truly opportunistic burglar might go away content with some money left in an easy to find place.
Keep your holiday to yourself until you get back
Don’t let all your friends know you’re away, particularly if you like to spread the word on social media. You have no control over who they will tell, or who can read your comments.
Wait until the morning before putting items in your car.
Don’t put your home address on luggage labels. Instead, put a label with your details inside your case or use an alternative address, such as a workplace.
Have a great holiday!