The festive season is upon us, and many of us are planning a break away from home to visit family or to get away on holiday. It’s important that whilst you’re away, you have peace of mind that your home is safe and secure.
Here’s a quick guide to preparing your home for when you’re not there.
Secure doors and windows
These are the entry points into your home, so it makes sense to start here. If you have old windows with a catch closing and opening, it’s worth investing in more robust locks. Ensure your door is secure with multi-point locking systems, high-quality hinges and a cylinder. Make sure all windows are locked as well as closed.
Don’t leave all windows covered with drawn curtains and blinds, as this is a giveaway that you are away. Instead, use sheer curtains or blinds to help block the view. Do this in conjunction with lamps and lights on timers.
Another reason to block the view is that you should ensure all valuables are out of sight and in particular, car keys hidden away or, better still, taken with you, even if you’re leaving a car outside your home.
Outside
Check all of your garden boundaries. Ensure that fences don’t have gaps that people can look through and are a sufficient height. You can also top the fence with a trellis and prickly plants to prevent them from climbing over. Just remember to leave a gap at the bottom for hedgehogs, as use these as thoroughfares.
Keep your hedges low to remove potential hiding places for intruders, and consider a crunchy gravel drive so that burglars won’t feel they can arrive in silence. Low-spiked bushes can also be a deterrent.
Secure your outbuildings, including your shed and garage, before you leave. Golf clubs, mowers, bikes and tools are valuable, so keeping these safe is essential.
Tell your neighbours
If you have a good relationship with your next-door or opposite neighbours, tell them you are going away and ask them to keep an eye on your home. Tell them when lights are going on and off so they can watch out for anything amiss. Also, ask for your neighbours to take in parcels which can be a giveaway. Alternatively, ask the Post Office sorting office to hold your mail whilst you’re away.
Tech solutions
There are several ways to protect your home using tech. Doorbell cameras are a great way to see who is approaching or at your house, as you can set them to record or alert you to any movement. It also enables you to talk to anyone at your door, so they don’t leave packages which can indicate you’re not there. There are inexpensive CCTV systems that you can self-fit, which you can view via your phone. Again, you can look at these whilst you’re away and set them to alert you to any motion.
