You’ve been working hard whole year and then … finally, your well-deserved vacation! Relaxing on the beach or going on a cultural trip? We all have a different idea of our ideal holiday destination. But one thing we all have in common: we have to leave our home for a while.
Here are 5 useful tips to protect your house from burglary and to fully enjoy your trip:
1. Keeping an eye out
If you are going on holiday, make sure to ask a neighbour, family member or trusted friend to keep an eye on the place and to empty the mailbox.
One thing that burglars usually look for is the mailbox. If it’s full or there’s a huge pile of mail on the front doorstep, it’s an instant sign that no one’s home.
2. Social media alert
Of course, going on vacation is exciting, but try to be a little discreet. Don’t post a message on Facebook or Twitter saying where you’re going, when you’re leaving and when you’ll be back.
Stay on the safe side and don’t mention your trip until you’re back with wild stories to tell and plenty of pictures to upload!
Same goes for the old-fashion way of communication. Don’t stick any “I’m not home” notes on the front door and don’t record a holiday message on your answering machine.
3. Check and double check
It goes without saying, but with all the rush of packing, don’t forget to make sure all windows and doors are properly locked.
Give a spare key to a friend or neighbour instead of hiding it in a flowerpot or under the doormat – you’d be surprised …
And don’t leave any tools or ladders outside that burglars can use to climb into your windows.
4. Anybody home?
Try to let people think someone is home. Keep the lights on and don’t roll down all the shutters.
Maybe a neighbourhood teenager can do some basic gardening work while you’re away, like mowing the lawn or watering the flowers? It’s a lot less likely for a burglar to try and break into your home if it looks like someone is inside.
5. Inventory of your valuable items
Store money, jewelry or other expensive items in a safe place. Do you have valuable items at home, take pictures and list up the serial numbers.
You can also mark the items with a special pen or sticker. That way they become less attractive to burglars.
Have a safe trip!
Leave a Reply