10 top tips to keep your house safe whilst on holiday

It’s holiday season and I bet you are super excited to go on holiday, escape the office and perhaps try some extreme sports. Before you go away why not read our 10 top tips for keeping your property safe and secure while you are away. Taking proactive steps before you go could help save you time, money and stress when you return from your dream holiday.

1. Make your home look occupied. Don’t draw attention to your property in the first place. Things like post building up at the front door, an empty drive with no car outside or no lights on in the house are all giveaways that you could be away on holiday. Get a trusted friend or neighbour to pop into your house and check on any post or put out the bins. Having lights on a timer at night are an easy way to give the impression that someone is at home.
2. Lock your house up securely. It may sound obvious but making sure all your door and windows are locked is the first line of defence to burglaries. Don’t forget to lock sheds and garages too.
3. Hide your valuables out of sight. Keep your valuables out of sight and away from windows where they are easily on view. Lock them away and invest in a safe for high value items.
4. Get an alarm system fitted. Having an alarm system which is properly fitted and well maintained will reduce the risks of being burgled and it could even reduce your home insurance premium.
5. Make sure your doors are secure. In 2020, according to the Office for National Statistics, 76% of intruders who gained access to a private residence did so through the door. Visit the Metropolitan Police website for more door security advice.
6. Don’t advertise your absence on social media. Leave posting photos and videos of your holiday until you get back otherwise this could give thieves the green light to pop round. Advertising you are away on social media could also hinder making a claim with your insurance company if something happens to your property.
7. Join your local Neighbourhood Watch scheme. Encouraging neighbours to join forces against criminal activity is invaluable for helping to secure your property.
8. Turn off the water supply. Theft is not the only thing you need to be considering when you go on holiday as water damage can be just as costly. If you’re away for a while, turn off your water at your inside stop valve.
9. Unplug all electricals. Leaving gadgets charging or on stand-by uses electricity, so turning them off will save you money on your energy bill and reduce the risk of fire while you’re on holiday.
10. Are you covered for an extended trip? If you’re intending on staying away for longer than 30 days, you’ll need to tell your insurance provider, or your policy may be invalid. For long trips, consider unoccupied property insurance, which could cover your home for longer periods against fire, flood and storm damage, vandalism and theft or attempted theft.

If you would like further information about how to keep your property safe and secure this summer, please contact the Mann Broadbent team on 01905 612336 or email enquiry@mannbroadbent.co.uk.