5 Security Tips You Might Have Forgotten Before Going on Holiday

Passport – ✅
Luggage – ✅
Secure home – ❌ oops! 
 
Securing your home before heading off on holiday is an often overlooked but essential practice. Here are our top five tips on how to secure your property and belongings. 

Locking your doors and windows is the first and easiest method to burglar proof your home, but how many of us are doing this constantly? In our recent survey1, results showed that 42% don’t even lock their doors and windows whilst they’re home. Burglars often look for easy targets, and an unlocked door or window is just that. Investing in door and window sensors is an essential component of your home security, as they let you know if someone is attempting to enter your home. 

Burglars don’t want all eyes on them when trying to break into your property, they like to lurk in the darkness. A great place to start is by eliminating any potential outdoor hiding spots, starting with installing outdoor lighting in key access points or investing in a Floodlight Camera. Since some thieves are often ones of opportunity, outdoor lights, especially a two-in-one deterrent like a Floodlight Camera that startles and records all in one go, may encourage the intruder to keep moving. Rather than keeping your outdoor light on constantly, motion-sensor lights are perfect as they illuminate your outdoor spaces as soon as movement is detected. 

Install a security system with alarms and cameras to monitor your home while you're away. Many modern systems such as the Yale Smart Motion CCTV Kit allow remote access, so you can keep an eye on your property via smartphone apps. Visible security systems and cameras act as deterrents and can provide evidence in case of a break-in. 

Although data published by the Office for National Statistics has shown that 60% of all burglaries take place in the evening or during the night, not all thieves will want enter your home whilst you’re there. They’d rather find a vacant property and be in and out as quickly as possible, undetected. Therefore, one of the easiest and inexpensive ways to burglar proof your home is by making it look like someone is there… 
 
During the day this might include leaving the radio on or if possible, one of your cars on the drive. In the evening, you could look to keep an interior light on whilst you pop to the pub or for a spot of shopping. Smart lighting can create a more convincing effect, allowing you to programme your lights on and off periodically and controlling them directly through your smartphone is another plus. If you’re gone for longer periods, see if you can have a family member or neighbour collect your letters or any parcels, as mail piling up can be a tell-tale sign to thieves that no one is home. 

Letting a close friend, family member or neighbour know that you won’t be home and asking them to keep an eye on your property is always a good idea. Giving them a spare key and list of emergency contacts enables them to handle any incidents without delay. 
Post and deliveries piling up outside your home is a key indicator to criminals that your property is currently unoccupied so having someone to clear them regularly is helpful. Another solution is a Smart Delivery Box that helps store your deliveries securely until you return home. 

Securing your home before leaving for a holiday is essential to protect your property and give you peace of mind. Taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins and unauthorised access while you're away. Find out more about our range of security products for this holiday season at yalehome.co.uk