Nearly a quarter of a million burglaries were reported in England and Wales in a single year, and empty homes during holiday season are often an easy target.
The good news is that keeping your house secure while you’re away doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, whether you’re heading off for a long weekend or a full two-week trip. A few simple habits and some clever use of technology can make a real difference to how safe your home feels while you’re gone. Here’s what’s worth doing before you next lock the door behind you.
Make it look like someone’s still home.
One of the simplest ways to put burglars off is to make your house look like it’s being actively lived in, even when it isn’t. Smart lightbulbs can be scheduled to switch on and off at set times throughout the day, giving the impression that someone’s moving around inside, and most are cheap to run since they’re usually LED-based.
A car parked on the driveway works just as well, so if you’re flying off rather than driving, ask a neighbour or friend if they’d mind parking there while you’re away. If you do leave your own car behind, make sure it’s locked properly and clear of anything valuable that might tempt someone to break in separately.
Lock up anything that could help a burglar get inside.
It’s easy to forget about equipment lying around the garden or garage that could actually make a break-in easier. Ladders left out in the open give burglars an easy route up to first floor windows, so these should always be locked away securely rather than simply left leaning against a wall.
The same goes for tools kept in sheds or garages, since these can just as easily be used to force open a door or window. Make sure sheds and garages are properly locked, not just closed, and that tools are tucked away out of sight rather than sitting visibly on a shelf.
Keep doors, windows, and valuables properly secured.
During warmer months, it’s tempting to leave a window cracked open so you don’t come home to a stuffy house, but this is one of the easiest ways to make a break-in simple. Before you leave, check every door and window in the house is properly locked and secure, no exceptions.
Also, tuck valuables like jewellery, laptops, and other small items away in drawers or cupboards rather than leaving them in plain sight. Bigger items that are harder to hide, like a television or games console, are best left in a room that can’t easily be seen from the street, or behind closed curtains or blinds.
Get the most out of smart security technology.
A video doorbell lets you keep an eye on your front door from your phone, sending you an alert the moment it detects movement, whether that’s a delivery, a nosy passerby or someone testing whether anyone’s home. Most also let you play back footage afterwards, which can be useful if you ever need to hand something over to your insurer or the police.
Security cameras take things a step further, letting you check in on both the outside and inside of your home through an app whenever you like. Outdoor cameras are usually weatherproof and can include a motion triggered light to startle anyone lurking nearby, while indoor cameras are handy if you’ve got cleaners or neighbours popping in while you’re away.
Make sure your alarm is actually working before you go.
A burglar alarm is one of the strongest visual deterrents you can have, but only if it’s clearly visible and in proper working order. Check that the external sounder box can be easily seen from outside your property, since simply knowing an alarm exists is often enough to put off opportunistic burglars.
Make sure to check whether your alarm is due a maintenance check, and booking one in before you leave if it is. Keeping your alarm properly maintained also matters for insurance purposes, since some providers require proof of regular servicing if you ever need to make a claim.
Double-check your home insurance actually covers you.
Before heading off, take a few minutes to check your home insurance policy is up-to-date and covers your house while it’s sitting empty. Buildings insurance protects the structure of your home itself, covering things like storm or fire damage, while contents insurance covers your belongings if a break-in does happen.
Some policies have specific rules about how long a property can sit unoccupied before cover is affected, so it’s important to read the fine print rather than assuming you’re automatically covered. A quick call to your provider before a longer trip can save a lot of stress later if something does go wrong.
Skip the spare key hiding spot, and think twice before posting online.
Leaving a spare key under a plant pot or doormat might feel like a sensible backup plan, but it’s exactly the kind of place burglars know to check first. It could even affect your insurance if a break-in happens, and it’s traced back to a hidden key. Leaving a spare key with a trusted neighbour or family member instead is a much safer option.
Be careful about who knows you’re away, and where you mention it. Talking about your trip loudly outside your house, or posting photos and updates while you’re still away, can unintentionally advertise that your home is empty. Waiting until you’re back home to share your holiday snaps is a small habit that reduces the risk.
