Going away for Easter? Before you set off, take a few precautions to safeguard your home. There’s nothing worse than coming back from a relaxing break to find your house has been ransacked.
No checklist can guarantee a break-in won’t happen, but these steps will put off most opportunistic thieves, and give you valuable evidence if someone does try their luck.
Lock up and check your valuables
It sounds obvious, but a surprising number of burglaries happen because someone forgot to lock a door or window. Check every entry point before you leave, and look at frames too: a damaged door jamb or window sill can undermine even a good lock.
Keep valuables out of sight. Electricals, jewellery and designer clothes in full view of a window are an advert to anyone passing. Move them away from glass, and lock them away if you can.
Before you leave
- All doors and windows locked, including garage and shed
- Valuables out of sight of windows
- Outdoor lights working, or on sensors
- Timers set for lights and a radio
- Neighbour or friend briefed and keys left safely
- No holiday posts on social media
Light up the exterior
A well-lit driveway, garden or garage is a far bigger deterrent than one in darkness, because an invisible thief is a successful one. Fit robust outdoor lighting, ideally with motion sensors, so neighbours and passers-by can spot anything unusual.
Make the house look lived in
An empty home is far easier to burgle. Ask a friend, neighbour or family member to drop by now and then to open and close curtains, switch lights on and off, and feed any pets or plants. Failing that, a plug-in timer will make it look as if someone is home.
And don’t advertise your absence. Posting holiday photos while you’re away, especially with loose privacy settings, tells anyone watching that your house is empty.
Install a proper security system
The best way to prevent a break-in, and to identify those responsible if one happens, is a professionally fitted CCTV system. If a burglar believes they’re being monitored, they’re far less likely to try, and if they do, you’ll have solid evidence for the police. Pair it with an intruder alarm for full cover while you’re away.
