Off on your travels? Keep your home safe and secure while you’re away

Whether you’re going away for a long weekend, a week, or a fortnight, you’ll want to do everything you can to make sure your home’s secure. To help, here are our  useful  tips to keep your home safe while you’re taking a break.

1. Have external lights fitted to the front and back of your property. They can help deter would-be burglars as they’ll turn on automatically if anyone approaches your home. 
2. Make sure your gates and shed are secured with padlocks and bolts. Lock any moveable outdoor or garden items in your garage – bikes, lawnmowers, expensive furniture.
3. Get a burglar alarm or security system fitted if you don’t have one. That way, if the worst does happen and someone tries to get in, there’s a good chance they’ll be quickly put off.
4. Give a trusted friend or neighbour a key and ask them to check on your property, ideally every day. You don’t want a pile of post on view. They may be willing to open and close your curtains, too. If there are any issues, for instance, if there’s a leak, they should be able to alert you and get it sorted, so any damage is minimised.
5. If you don’t have a friend or neighbour who can move your post, apply for the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service, who can hold your post for up to 66 days for a fee.
6. Don’t leave any money in your home, even if you think it’s well hidden – empty your pockets, drawers and money boxes and get the cash into your bank account before you go.  
7. Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries, and bring in the washing from your line. Mow your lawn just before you go, so that it doesn’t grow too long while you’re away. This should stop your home from looking unoccupied. Again, this is a job a friend or neighbour could do to help.
8. Have some of your lights on a timer, especially if you’re going away in the winter months. A house that’s dark for days is an obvious sign that no one’s around.
9. Go round the house and check every single door and window is securely locked, and any keys are hidden away from view.
10. Make sure you have renewed your home insurance with Rias if it is due soon!