If you plan on visiting friends and family during this festive season, the last thing you want to return to is a burgled house. Although there is no way to guarantee your home will be impenetrable to would-be trespassers, there are ways to lower the risk of your house being targeted.
Make your house look occupied
An empty home can be an open invitation to burglars. The secret is not to draw their attention in the first place.
- They will be looking for: post piling up, deliveries sitting on the doorstep, an empty driveway with no car outside, no lights on at night or lights that are obviously running on a timer, overgrown plants or a lawn that needs mowing, and
- rubbish bins that have not been emptied or returned to their normal position after a collection.
To minimise the risks of a break-in, give a trusted neighbour or friend a key and ask them to pop in from time to time. They can open and close the curtains, turn lights on and off, collect your mail and manage your bins – and if they can park their car in your driveway, even better.
It is also helpful for someone to have a key in case of a leak or other emergency.
Make sure you cancel any regular deliveries, such as your daily newspaper or milk – and do not order anything online that may arrive while you are away.
Lock up
It may sound like a no-brainer, but you would be amazed how many people leave a window open or door unlocked when they go away. It is a mistake that could invalidate their home insurance as some policies will only cover burglary claims if there are signs of forced or violent entry.
Make sure all windows and doors are locked before you leave – with locks approved by your home insurance provider.
Secure any garages, sheds and outbuildings
Keep tools locked away so they cannot be used to break into your home. If you have no option but to leave a ladder outside, ensure it is secured in a fixed location with a padlock and chain.
Hide your valuables
Keep your valuables, including computers and laptops, out of sight or lock them away if possible.
Having a fitted safe can be a good investment. Just make sure it is fixed securely in place, as smaller models are an obvious target for thieves and easy to steal.
Get an alarm system
Depending on the insurance provider, having a burglar alarm may reduce your home insurance premiums. Even if it does not, it is still likely to cut the risks of being burgled.
There are different types of burglar alarms available, making it easier to find one that suits your budget and the level of security you are after.
Weigh the cost of the system against the value of your possessions and look for models that are accredited.
Bell-only alarms come with various motion sensors connected to a central control panel and can be either wireless (battery-powered) or wired in, which requires professional installation.
Monitored alarm systems connect with an alarm-receiving centre (ARC), from which a staff member will call or text you or a chosen keyholder if the alarm goes off. They may also contact the police.
Smart burglar alarms are managed with an app and you will be notified if the alarm is triggered. They are part of your smart home hub set-up and can be integrated with a range of devices including security cameras, motion detectors and voice commands.
Secure your doors
While not a quick pre-holiday fix, upgrading your external doors can play a big part in securing your home. According to the Office for National Statistics, 70% of intruders who gain access to a private residence do so through the door.
The strongest doors are made of solid wood, or for a longer-lasting alternative, try a composite door that is made up of several different materials. It is likely to be thicker than others on the market and could come with the latest locking mechanisms.
Do not advertise your absence
Be careful what you post on social media. If you mention on your Facebook account that you are jetting off, it could give potential thieves the green light to pop round. Leave posting photos and videos until your return. Similarly, talking about your forthcoming holiday in a local shop or public space – where you could easily be followed home – is best avoided.
Get the support of your community
For extra peace of mind, join a neighbourhood watch scheme, if there is one in your area. If not, you could set one up. It does not have to involve a lot of people – it could just cover your street.
Turn the water off
Keeping your home safe does not just mean securing it against theft. Water damage can be just as costly – and even a small leak, left for a week or two, can have costly implications if it turns into a flood.
If you are away for a while, turn off your water at your inside stop valve. A helpful guide should be available online.
Before you go away, check your building’s insurance to make sure you are covered for burst pipes and water leaks. Most policies include it as standard, but always read the small print.
Unplug electricals
Leaving gadgets charging or on stand-by uses electricity, so turning them off will save you money on your electricity bill while you are on holiday.
However, to reduce the risk of fire, go a step further and unplug everything you can at the wall – with the exception of the fridge and freezer, unless empty.
Before you go away, make sure your home insurance covers fire damage – and remember, most policies will not cover your property if it is left unoccupied for more than 30 consecutive days.
If you intend on staying away for longer than 30 days, you will need to tell your insurance provider or your policy may be invalid. – www.comparethemarket.com
