Holiday break-ins are still a common problem, and one that can affect residents of blocks of flats and detached houses alike. Before you go on holiday, it’s worth thinking about how to properly secure your house or flat – especially since a break-in is rarely a spontaneous decision on the thief’s part; it’s more often the result of lengthy observation and a carefully worked-out plan. We’ve put together a few tips on how to secure your home while you’re away on holiday. Check them out and enjoy a relaxing break!
How to secure your house for the holidays
Detached and terraced houses are a frequent target for thieves. Especially when all the shutters are down and uncollected post is piling up outside. While terraced and semi-detached houses are visited by burglars rather less often, in the case of detached houses with plenty of open space around them the likelihood of a break-in increases.
When going on holiday, it’s worth preparing your house properly for a longer absence. Above all, make sure it doesn’t give the impression that nobody’s home. That’s why it’s a good idea to enlist someone close to you to help, or to take up the offer of a friendly neighbour you know well.
It’s also best not to lower all the external shutters unless they are burglar-proof. Shutters rolled all the way down is a clear signal to a thief that no one is at home – just like the absence of a car on the driveway. Below you’ll find a few universal tips on how to secure your house or flat for the holidays, so you don’t have to worry while you’re away.
How to secure your flat for the holidays
One big advantage of living in a block of flats is the anonymity it offers. Don’t tell all your neighbours about your holiday plans – only the one or two trusted ones who will be keeping an eye on your home.
Pay attention to your social media posts, too – if your account is public, anyone can easily find out where you are the moment you post a holiday photo.
It’s also unwise to publish the dates of your planned trip online, even if you’re just asking for accommodation tips. It’s a clear signal to a thief about when you’ll be away.
A trusted neighbour can help while you’re away
If you have a neighbour you’re on close terms with, don’t be afraid to ask them for help. They can drop by your home, water the plants, feed the pets, or simply make sure there are no obvious signs of your absence around the flat or property – such as piles of leaflets, letters, newspapers and so on.
It’s also worth asking them to open the windows regularly, make some noise, and respond appropriately to any suspicious situations. A neighbour’s intervention has saved many a house or flat from thieves, so it pays to nurture those relationships!
Secure your windows and doors
Most break-ins happen through windows. Simply closing them isn’t enough, but you don’t need to rush to fit bars either. Consider installing burglar-proof shutters or burglar-resistant windows – they have stronger glass and even locks that are hard to drill through. Anti-lever systems built into the frame are another useful addition to windows like these.
As for doors – this is no place to cut corners, and it’s best to invest in solid burglar-proof ones. The lock is the most important part. It should be protected against drilling and have a set of bolts that extend in several directions. Locks like these are usually certified and have at least 100,000 unique key combinations. You could also consider fitting several locks – these can effectively deter a burglar.
A suitable alarm system
This is an especially good option for homeowners. An alarm system is a fairly expensive solution, but definitely worth the price. Modern systems can sync with your smartphone, letting you monitor what’s going on in and around your home in real time.
They also often include cameras, which act as a deterrent in themselves. Sometimes fitting a few dummy cameras is enough. Some alarm systems also have a mechanism that lets you switch on the lights or audio-visual equipment remotely. It’s a good way of simulating that someone is home.
Insure your house or flat
A home insurance policy is a very important investment. It comes in handy not only after a break-in, but also when your property or flat gets flooded – whether by a neighbour or during a storm.
If you don’t yet have an insurance policy for your home, consider taking one out. You can always choose the scope of cover for your flat or house by adding different scenarios to it. Some policies even pay out compensation for a TV damaged by the cat.
Switch off the electricity, gas and water
This minimises the risk of damage to your home from internal causes such as water, gas or electricity. It’s not unusual for a short circuit to occur while the owners are away
An anti-theft tracker
You can protect a valuable item in your home by hiding a notiOne tracker inside it. That way you’ll find out about any unwanted movement and have an easier time finding the lost item. You can attach the tracker to a games console, laptop, keys or TV. In the event of theft, you’ll be able to report a theft alert or a search for the lost item in the app.
Enjoy a worry-free holiday!
Don’t waste your holiday worrying – secure your home properly instead. By following the tips above you won’t have to fret about burglars, and thanks to your neighbour, smart systems and trackers, you’ll be able to check on your house or flat yourself, right from your smartphone.
