5 ways to secure your home while on a long holiday

Are you heading away on a long holiday this summer? Protect your property against burglars and serious damage by following these five ways to secure your home before heading off.

Upgrade your home security system

Start by assessing your existing home security system and seeking opportunities to upgrade. Thanks to the development of artificial intelligence there’s a wide variety of smart alarm systems available in 2024 which are surprisingly easy to install.

You can add smart locks to doors which are powered by personalised access codes or even biometrics, enhancing traditional door security. A popular option is to install smart video cameras which register movement and send video alerts straight to your smartphone, enabling you to watch the house from anywhere in the world.

Inform trusted neighbours

Even with smart technology, you can’t get a full view of your property while you’re away. Inform neighbours that you know well and trust about your holiday plans and ask them to regularly review the property, perhaps giving them a key so they can check the inside too.

Remind the neighbours that they can contact you if there are problems, and to call the police if there are signs of a break-in.

Make your home appear occupied

Conceal the fact that you’re away by using automatic lights that make your home appear occupied. Put your inside lights on a timer so lamps come on every evening, and install security lights along pathways and the driveway so your property is never left in darkness.

The police confirm that an illuminated property is less likely to be burgled, so this simple step can have a significant impact on your security. You can find solar-powered outdoor lights to help save on energy bills: the batteries charge throughout the day so they can shine bright at night.

Lock your windows and doors

Another simple step to bolstering your home security – but one that’s surprisingly easy to overlook! – is to lock your windows and doors. Before you leave, go around and check each one, ensuring they’re all closed and secure.

Remember to double-check rooms like the bathroom where windows are often always ajar. Even the smallest gap can attract an opportunistic thief.

Consider getting home insurance

Try as we might to protect against problems, safety measures are not always successful or sufficient. You should consider quality home insurance for financial support in the event of unexpected incidents including theft, fires and floods. A comprehensive policy will help you cover emergency expenses such as repairs and replace expensive possessions that have been stolen or damaged.

Having a home insurance policy in place also gives you the peace of mind that, if things do go wrong while you’re away, help will be at hand as soon as you return.