Peace of mind while you're away
Everyone needs a holiday some time. And however much we like our homes, there is nothing like a change of scenery.
But we all want to come home and find everything as we left it. Almost half of all burglaries happen when our flat or house is empty. By following these tips you can help to make your home secure while you are away. Read the tips here and plan ahead.
- Make your home look like someone is living in it. Don't close your curtains - in daytime this shows your house is empty. Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on when it goes dark.
- Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries
- Avoid discussing holiday plans where strangers may hear details of your absence from home.
- Cut the lawns and trim back any plants burglars could hide behind.
- Uncollected mail is a sign that you are away. The Royal Mail's "keepsafe" service will keep your mail for up to two months while you're away.
- Consider leaving important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank. Or lock them in a safe.
- Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination.
- If you normally leave valuable pedal cycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house.
Finally, make sure that you've locked all outside doors and windows and if you have a burglar alarm make sure its set.