There is no denying that your home is at its most vulnerable when you are in a different country. If you are planning on going on holiday, you need to put steps in place to protect your home during your absence. After all, we have all heard about the numerous burglaries that have happened at footballers’ homes while they have been enjoying a lavish vacation (and posting it all over social media). You may not have a footballer’s house, but you will still be a target if you let everyone know that your property is going to be left empty.
Don’t broadcast your absence
There is only one place to begin, and this is by avoiding posting your holiday on social media. Yes, it can be very tempting to brag about your trip on Facebook, Instagram, and everything in between, but try and refrain yourself until your return. By posting this information on social media, you are basically letting people know that your house is going to be empty and so you are making yourself a target.
Update your home security system
It is really easy to update your home security system today, as there are plenty of alarm systems online for you to choose from. You can easily find something that fits in with your requirements and your budgets. Smart systems have become really popular over the past few years. They enable you to receive an alert via your mobile phone when someone has breached your alarm system. You can also get smart CCTV systems too, so you can have eyes on your property at all times.
Create the impression that you are still at home
Another tip is to make it appear like you are still at home. There are a number of different ways you can do this. If you are going to leave your car at the airport, it is a good idea to ask someone else to park his or her vehicle outside your property while you are away. Another option is to invest in a timing switch for your lights, so they will turn on and off at different periods throughout the day. This is an easy and highly effective way to make it appear like you’re still there.
Avoid the little giveaways
There are a number of small yet blatant giveaways that you have gone away, for example, if you have leaflets dangling out of your letterbox or you have milk lining up outside your door. The Royal Mail has a keepsafe service, where they will hold your mail for up to eight weeks. It’s a good idea to take advantage of this while you’re away.
If you follow the advice that has been provided above, you can go a long way to ensuring your home is protected while you are on holiday. As tempting as it can be to post your holiday snaps all over Facebook and Instagram, wait until you get home.
