SUMMER HOLIDAY CRIME PREVENTION
Crime Prevention Advice
Peace of mind while you're away
Everyone needs a holiday some time. And however much we like our homes, there
is nothing like a change of scenery. But we all want to come home and find
everything as we left it. Almost half of all burglaries happen when a flat
or house is empty.
By following the tips set out below, you can help to make your home more secure
while you are away. Read the tips here and plan ahead. Tick off the items
before you go.
Before you go
Make your home look like someone is living in it. Don't close your curtains
in daytime this shows the house is empty. Use automatic timer-switches to
turn your lights on when it goes dark.
Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries.
Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence
from home.
Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide
behind.
Consider leaving important documents and valuable items with other family
members or a bank. Or lock them in a safe.
Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your
holiday destination.
If you normally leave valuable pedal cycles or similar items in your shed,
consider putting them in the house.
Finally, make sure that you've locked all outside doors and windows and, if
you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set.
And just before you set off, it's worth spending a couple of minutes checking
that you've done all you had to do and taken everything you need with you.
If you are going abroad, on't forget your passport and tickets!