Whether you’re planning a lengthy vacation or just stepping out for the evening, it’s crucial to ensure that your home, both inside and out, is thoroughly secured.
Secure Your Home
From extended vacations to quick weekend getaways or even brief evening outings, summer trips require extra precautions to secure your home against potential break-ins.
Keep valuable items hidden from view to make it difficult for intruders to spot them in case they break in. The police in West Midlands advise that car keys are often targeted by thieves. If you’re not driving, consider hiding your keys in a secure location or even taking them with you. To prevent relay theft, where thieves intercept the signal from key fobs to steal cars, place your keys in a Faraday pouch, available for about £6 at Halfords. Moreover, using a steering wheel lock can offer additional protection.
Minimize the signs that you’re away by stopping regular deliveries like milk and newspapers, and avoid ordering online items that could be left unattended on your doorstep. If you have a pet cat, ensure the cat flap is securely closed (after ensuring your cat’s care), and remove all keys from doors.
Setting timers on lights, which are available from £5.99 at Screwfix, can create the impression of someone being home during the evenings. These timers can be plugged into a socket to automatically turn on a lamp at preset intervals.
Outdoor motion sensor lights can act as a deterrent to burglars. Alex Parker-Walklate from Intelligent Insurance suggests that these lights can also alert neighbors to unusual activities around your property.
Unexpected incidents like flooding can occur in addition to burglary risks. Turning off your water supply can prevent water damage and potential high costs from leaks, according to Jonathan Cracknell from Aviva. However, if your home is equipped with fire sprinklers, keep the water supply turned on.
Enhance Your Security
Home alarm systems are rated from one to four, with higher numbers indicating more security. For most residential properties, a grade two system is sufficient, says Parker-Walklate, and should include motion detectors around your home’s perimeter. It’s crucial to have these systems certified by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB).
Consider whether you need a monitored system, which alerts a key-holder or the police, or an unmonitored system that simply triggers an alarm.
Burglars are less likely to continue a break-in if they trigger a motion sensor that activates lights or an alarm. Parker-Walklate emphasizes the importance of maintaining these sensors and ensuring they are well-positioned and, for smart systems, securely connected to your network.
Ensure your front and back doors are equipped with either a five-lever mortise deadlock or a multipoint locking system, commonly found in modern doors, which secure the door at several points.
Visible security measures like smart doorbells and Wi-Fi-connected cameras can deter criminals and provide valuable footage in case of a break-in. When choosing a device, prioritize good image quality, effective night vision, and a wide-angle lens. Opt for models with cloud storage to ensure video recordings are preserved. The Google Nest doorbell, which retails for £178 on Amazon, is highly recommended by The Guardian’s Filter site.
For those with Wi-Fi-connected security devices, keep your smartphone on and enable push notifications to stay informed of any activity at home.
Enlist Reliable Help
Never hide your keys under a flowerpot or doormat as it could invalidate your insurance claim in case of a burglary.
Jonathan Cracknell suggests leaving a spare key with a trusted friend, relative, or neighbor, or using a secure key safe instead of hiding it outside.
Inform a trusted contact about your travel plans so they can check on your home if necessary, advises Edouard Rekko from Verisure. This is especially important as police might require a local report before responding to an incident.
If you’re away for an extended period, consider having someone check on your property regularly. If unexpected deliveries occur, ask them to remove parcels from your doorstep.
Alternatively, hiring a house-sitter through a reputable service can be a good option. This arrangement often involves no cost beyond providing accommodation, though some sitters may charge for additional responsibilities like pet care.
Be Cautious with Social Media
Posting vacation photos in real-time can alert burglars that your home is unoccupied. It’s safer to share your experiences after you return or to adjust your privacy settings so only close contacts can view your posts.
Although posting on social media does not typically void home insurance coverage, the Association of British Insurers recommends verifying with your insurer to ensure that sharing your whereabouts does not impact potential claims.
Secure Outdoor Areas
Maintain a tidy outdoor space by storing away tools and securing ladders to prevent easy access to upper windows. Cover outdoor items like BBQs and furniture and relocate bins away from entry points to deter burglars.
According to Aviva, a significant number of homes experience attempts to break into sheds or outbuildings. Secure outdoor buildings and consider investing in a sturdy lock for your bike, ideally one rated Sold Secure Gold. Battery-operated shed alarms, which cost between £20 and £30, can also enhance security.
Review Your Insurance Coverage
Check your insurance policy to understand the maximum duration your home can be left unoccupied. Typically, this is around four weeks or 30 days. Confirming these details is crucial before a long trip to avoid potential issues with coverage.
While shorter vacations usually do not require notification to your insurer, longer absences might necessitate informing them. Parker-Walklate notes that your insurer may offer a policy for unoccupied homes or suggest specific precautions, such as periodic property checks.
Similar Posts:
- Lost Your House Keys? Essential Steps to Secure Your Home and Replace Your Keys
- Decluttering After Death: 6 Essential Steps to Sort a Loved One’s Home
- Essential Guide: Master Driving from the UK to Europe!
- Hurricane Alert: Essential Tips to Safeguard Your Pets!
- Skyrocketing Premiums: Homeowner Stunned as Co-op Insurance Quote Nearly Triples!
