Unsecured doors and windows are the most common points of entry during break-ins.

We all need a holiday from time to time. Whether it’s an exciting adventure, cultural exploration, or just a relaxing break on the beach, a change of environment is essential for keeping our minds healthy and happy.

Of course, this means leaving your precious home unguarded for at least a few days. And that’s fine, provided you’ve taken the necessary precautions because the last thing you need on your relaxing holiday is stress and worry about break-ins and burglary!

So, to put your mind at ease, we’ve made a short checklist of things you can do to secure your home before you go away.

Review them individually to find the right solutions for your particular property type and location.

CHECK ON YOUR HOME AND PROPERTY INSURANCE

Now’s a great time to revisit your home and property insurance. Is it still the most suitable coverage for your current circumstances? Can you negotiate a better or more comprehensive plan?

Knowing that your insurance company has you fully covered if something goes wrong is incredibly reassuring. Look for the best possible deal to fit your current budget.

LET YOUR NEIGHBORS KNOW

Do you have a good relationship with your neighbours? If not, now is the time to get to know them. Vigilant neighbours will be happy to keep an eye on your home and report any issues while you’re away.

Because ultimately, this is beneficial for them too. A safe, crime-free community is in everyone’s interest. And who knows, you might even make some new friends!

INVEST IN A SECURE SAFE

After breaking in, most thieves head straight for the bedroom. Why? Because this is where we subconsciously keep our most valuable possessions. After all, it’s our most personal and protected space.

With this in mind, investing in a small but secure safe box is a good idea. Make sure your safe box is firmly mounted to a solid base, such as a wall or heavy object, so it can’t be quickly removed. And as tempting as it may be, never, ever write down your code.

SECURE ALL WINDOWS AND BALCONY DOORS

Unsecured doors and windows are the most common points of entry during break-ins. Double-check your hinges, knobs, and locks before leaving, and consider investing in extra security measures such as bars and double locks.

GET HOME MONITORING CAMERAS

Previously, cameras were only used to monitor industrial facilities, warehouses, shopping centres, and banks. However, monitoring equipment has become much more affordable and accessible to the public.

Depending on your budget, you can invest in all kinds of devices, from small doorbell cameras to a network of CCTV monitors located in different areas of your property. These can be hooked up to a live feed on a mobile app or streamed to a specialized security service that can respond immediately to suspicious activity.

CHECK FENCING AND GATES

An outer perimeter around your home is essential for privacy and security. A fence or some hedging of at least 5 feet high will discourage intruders who don’t want to be seen trying to climb over. Check your perimeter for structural integrity and possible weak points. Entry points such as gates and doors should be secure enough to withstand a strong kick or battering ram and can be monitored with cameras.

Fencing and gates are your first line of protection, so make an effort to secure them properly. A strong perimeter will discourage thieves from even thinking about entering your property, especially if they can’t see what’s waiting for them inside.

WRAP UP

There’s no need to spend tons of time and money securing your home while you’re away. You can enjoy your well-deserved escape with peace of mind with a few simple adjustments. Set aside a few minutes to run through the checklist above, take the steps in your budget, and book your holiday confidently!