Most break-ins happen when nobody’s home, and burglars target empty properties where they’re less likely to be caught. That makes going away a worry for many homeowners.
Whether you’re off on a short camping trip with the kids or heading abroad for a wedding, a few simple steps before you lock up can make your home look lived in and much harder to target.
Cancel deliveries
If you’ll be away for a week or more, pause regular deliveries. Newspapers or milk bottles piling up are a sure sign that nobody’s home. Tell your milkman and newsagent which dates you won’t need them, along with anything else that arrives regularly. You can also ask Royal Mail to hold your post for up to two months.
Protect the car
Thieves may be more interested in the car on your drive than in what’s inside the house, because it offers a quick getaway. Leave the keys somewhere safe, ideally with a family member so they’re not in the property at all. If you’re taking the car away, ask a neighbour to park in front of your house so it looks like someone’s in.
Use timers
Putting lamps on a timer, or having a radio playing in the evening, makes it look like somebody is home. If you don’t have a smartphone, or won’t have access to it on holiday, simple timer plugs will do the job. If you’re more tech-savvy, app-controlled timers give you extra flexibility and control from wherever you are.
Before you leave
- Pause milk, newspapers and other regular deliveries
- Hold your post with Royal Mail if you’ll be away for a while
- Leave car keys with someone you trust
- Set lamps or a radio on timers
- Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the house
Add visible security
Timers help, but a visible alarm or camera sends burglars looking elsewhere. If your home has no security features at all, book a free survey before your next trip. There’s never a good time to be burgled, so plan ahead before you go away.
