On Holiday This Summer: Secure Your Home Before You Go

Hopefully the weather in Petersfield will be warm and pleasant this summer but even if the temperature and conditions are appealing, there is a lot to be said for enjoying a summer holiday. Having the chance to enjoy a change of scenery and a different pace of life is hugely important for many people and you’ll find that going on holiday can recharge your batteries for the rest of the year.

Of course, you want to relax on holiday and this means you need to feel confident that you have left your home in a safe and secure condition. It is only natural that you will have concerns about your home and its contents when you are on holiday, but there are ways in which you can minimise the risk or likelihood of being broken into when you are on holiday.

Don’t advertise the fact that you will be away from home

Firstly, you want to minimise the number of people who know that you are away from home. Petersfield is a relatively small community and word can travel fast. You may find that even though you haven’t told many people that you are travelling people find out. You should also review the security settings on your social media accounts

A lot of people love posting images from their summer holiday, making friends jealous and sharing fantastic memories. However, these images may be seen by more than just your friends, and this could alert some people to the fact that you are away from home. You want to make sure that only people you know, and trust, can see your holiday snaps, so update your social media accounts before you go.

It will also be helpful to minimise any aspects that indicate you are away from home. If you order milk or have newspapers delivered, remember to pause your subscription before you go. A build-up of milk bottles and newspapers outside your front door will tip people off that you are not home, which may be all the invitation that a burglar needs. Be proactive before you go and cancel deliveries that could place your home at risk.

Improve the condition of windows and doors before going on holiday

The most common points of entry during a break-in are doors and windows. You should therefore review the security and condition of doors and windows at your home, making sure that they are robust as possible. It is possible to add new locks quickly and at an affordable price so if you are not convinced by the condition of your doors and windows, make some improvements before you head off.

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If you have a bit more time before you go, consider adding a home security system to your property. The addition of a box outside your home acts a deterrent to burglars, and this will significantly improve the security of your home. If the alarm is tripped, the noise may lead to the robber running off and if your system is connected to the police or a security firm, your property may be visited by professionals, adding an extra level of security.

Asking a family member, friend or neighbour to pop in to your home when you are away can reduce the risk of a break-in. If it is possible to make it look as though someone is in your home, you may ward off some prospective buyers. Investing in timed switches or lights that react to the amount of light outside your home can create the impression that someone is at home, and this may persuade some burglars that robbing your home is a poor idea.

At Williams of Petersfield, we hope you have a fantastic summer, no matter where you enjoy it. However, there is a lot to be said for making your home secure this summer, and we hope these tips offer you peace of mind and comfort.