As we make plans to head away for a well earned break, it’s definitely worth taking the time to consider how we can minimise the risk of break ins while we’re away.
Use this list to prepare to leave your home secure:

  • Avoid posting details or photos of your trip on social media sites, until you have returned
  • Cancel any deliveries (papers, milk, groceries etc)
  • Consider using the Royal Mail keepsafe service. For a fee they hold on to your post for up to 66 days, which avoids piles of post that can alert burglars to your absence.
  • Use a lamp plugged into a timer switch in the evenings so it looks like someone is home.
  • Tell a trusted friend or neighbour your plans. Provide them with a spare key and your contact details. Consider asking them to visit your property to water plants, cut grass, draw curtains and/or move your car to make your home appear inhabited.
  • Inform your alarm company and check they have up to date contact information.
  • Check household, holiday and car insurance policies are adequate and in place. Check with your household insurance provider to ensure they are happy with the length of time your property will be vacant for.
  • Lock all the windows and doors and hide the keys.
  • Remove expensive items in your home and car from view.
  • Put car keys, valuable possessions and important documents in a safe or leave with a trusted friend.
  • Turn off electrical sockets and consider turning off the gas and water supplies if you are going for an extended length of time.
  • Inform your bank and credit card providers to reduce likelihood of having your cards stopped.

After following these steps you can relax and unwind on holiday, confident you’ve taken reasonable steps to ensure your home is secure.

Any advice or information in this blog is general advice only. It does not take into account your personal circumstances: please do not take action based solely on this information.