Holiday
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.
Ask a neighbour to push any mail or free newspapers right through your letter
box. Papers and/or mail showing is a sure sign that you are away.
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.
Don't forget your passport and tickets!
General tips on home security
Fit mortise locks (Kitemarked BS 3621) or bolts to all outside doors, and
locks to all downstairs or easily accessible windows.
Have an approved alarm system installed - ask your local police and insurance
company for advice.
Try not to leave valuable items, like your TV, hi-fi, video or DVD, where
thieves can see them.
Mark belongings visibly and permanently with your postcode and house number.
Keep a list of the make, model and serial number of these items and take photos
of any valuable items that can't be marked, like jewellery. Give copies of
the list and photos to a trusted friend or relative.
Ask at your local police station for advice on how to get 'postcoded property'
stickers that you could put in your windows.
Make sure that you have up-to-date contents and buildings insurance.
Most burglars get in through a back door or window. Make it difficult for
them by locking all side or back gates and adding trellis to the top of walls
and fences. Fit lights that come on at night to cover the sides and back of
your house.
Put all your tools away so they cannot be used to break into your house and
lock your garage and shed with proper security locks.
If you have to leave a ladder out, put it on its side and lock it to a secure
fixture with a 'close shackle' padlock or heavy-duty chain.