Going on holiday should be a chance to unwind away from the normal day-to-day distractions and relax for a week or two, so you won't want to be worried that whilst you're away, your home might not be as safe as it could be. Locking your door behind you may be enough to secure your home when you're at work or nipping to the shops, but if you are heading off for a longer period then it is definitely worth considering any measures you could take to make sure you don't come back to find out you've been a victim of burglary. Fortunately, it doesn't take too much to deter even the most experienced thief, so here are a few tips to help protect your home and possessions when you're on holiday.
Criminals thrive on opportunity, so it's important to make sure you do everything you can to minimise the chance of your home being the next target. An obvious but very effective deterrent is installing security lights in your garden; these will detect movement and illuminate the exterior of your house, hopefully warding off any would-be intruders. Likewise, make sure any sheds or garages are firmly locked and that all ground floor windows are secure, and it's also worth checking any perimeter fences or gates for wear and tear too.
The back and front doors are common points of entry for burglars, so maybe invest in new locks if need be and, if so, consider whether the locks should have the British Standard Kitemark. Next you might want to have a comprehensive intruder alarm system fitted throughout your home, especially if your house is in a secluded area or hidden behind hedges or a fence. Remember that the easier the thief thinks your home is to break into, the more likely they are to give it a go.
A simple, cheap and relatively effective way to make it look as if someone is still at home is to put a few lights dotted around the house on timers so in the evening, it looks like any other occupied home. Avoid the tell-tale signs that you're away by cancelling the milk delivery and getting your newsagent to hold your newspapers until you return. Likewise, your local post-office can hold your mail for a set fee too, so there won't be any noticeable piles of papers and letters on your doorstep. Of course, prevention is better than cure, but it's worth checking that your house contents insurance is up to date too before you head off.
Leaving keys in an obvious place like under the doormat is not a good idea and neither is leaving anything valuable within sight of the windows. If your area has a neighbourhood watch scheme, consider the benefits of joining it and, if not, perhaps ask a friendly neighbour to let you know should they see anything suspicious.