Two weeks on a sun lounger? Sounds blissful.
But not when you spend your whole time away worrying that you haven’t left your home secure.
Before you head off on holiday, follow our home security checklist.
1. Lock up
Check that you’ve locked all your windows and doors, not forgetting any garages, sheds, or other outbuildings.
2. Set the security alarm
If it’s a monitored alarm, don’t forget to give your monitoring station the details of the key holder.
3. Get smart
Install a video doorbell or smart home security system. They can act as a deterrent or provide useful evidence if an intruder does enter your property while you’re away.
4. Let there be light
Outdoor security, such as motion‑sensor lights and cameras, can deter burglars or capture footage if they strike.
5. Cancel deliveries
Cancel any regular deliveries such as online subscriptions, magazines or vegetable boxes. If anything does arrive while you’re away, ask a neighbour to take it in so it doesn’t sit outside your front door advertising to opportunist thieves that you’re away.
6. Put valuables out of sight
Make sure you move things like your laptop, portable electronics and jewellery out of the way of prying eyes. If you have a keyless fob for your car, store it in something like a Faraday pouch to protect it from relay theft.
7. Make your home look lived in
Want to create the illusion that your home is still occupied? You can programme your lights to turn on in the evening and off again at bedtime using a timer switch.
8. Sort your post
Avoid a build-up of post at your front door by asking a neighbour to move it or asking the Royal Mail to hold your letters until you return using its Keepsafe service.
9. Occupy the driveway
If you have a drive, ask a neighbour to park on it occasionally, to make it look like people are coming and going.
10. Join Neighbourhood Watch
Join a local Neighbourhood Watch group and ask members to keep an eye on your property. You can find schemes in your area using the Neighbourhood Watch Postcode Checker.
11. Mow your lawn before you go
If it looks overgrown, burglars might correctly suspect you're away.
12. Put away tools and ladders
They could be used to force entry to your home.
13. Get a safe
Use a home safe for important personal documents and your most valuable items, such as watches and jewellery.
14. Check your cover
Check your home insurance policy for any limits that may impact your cover, such as the number of days your home is unoccupied while you’re away.
15. Mark your belongings
Use a UV pen or forensic security marker to mark your belongings. This makes them easier to identify if stolen.
16. Ask a neighbour to take in your bins
Leaving your bin outside for days can be a sign to burglars that no one's in, so ask a neighbour if they’d be kind enough to wheel it out and back again on bin day. And don’t forget to offer to return the favour when they’re on their hols as well.
17. Stay off social media
These days, it’s tempting to post about holiday plans on social media, with some people even including real-time updates from the airport or even at the hotel. While it’s understandable that you may be excited about your trip, sharing information like this on a social platform can help would-be thieves to identify when your property is empty.
Remember, by combining more than one of these measures to create a layered security system (e.g. locks, lighting, alarms and neighbour support), you’ll be able to protect your home and significantly reduce the risk of burglary while you’re away.
Happy holidays!
