Going on Holiday This Summer? Here Is What to Do With Your Home Security Before You Leave

Summer holidays are something to look forward to. For opportunistic burglars, they are something to plan around. An unoccupied home for one or two weeks presents exactly the kind of low-risk opportunity that makes residential properties vulnerable during the summer months. At Incognito Systems, we see a familiar pattern every year, and most of it is avoidable with some straightforward preparation before you leave.

An empty house has tell-tale signs that are obvious to anyone paying attention. Post building up, bins left out past collection day, curtains that never move and lights that stay off every evening all signal that nobody is home. Smart lighting systems that operate on a timer are one of the simplest and most effective ways to disrupt that pattern. Paired with a visible burglar alarm, they shift the impression of your property significantly.

If you have a burglar alarm or CCTV already installed, check that everything is working correctly before you leave rather than assuming it is fine. Test the alarm, confirm that any remote access to your CCTV is functioning properly and make sure your keyholders have current contact details. A system that develops a fault while you are abroad and cannot be managed remotely is a problem nobody wants to deal with from a sun lounger.

Visibility of valuables from outside the property is something most people overlook. Bicycles in an unlocked garage, tools visible through a window and cars left on a driveway for two weeks all attract attention. Where possible, remove visible indicators of value from view before you leave and ensure outbuildings and gates are properly secured.

Letting a trusted neighbour know you are away means someone can flag unusual activity, collect any deliveries and give the impression of normal activity around the property. Avoid broadcasting your travel plans on social media before or during the trip, as this information travels further than most people realise.

A holiday is often the prompt that makes homeowners realise their security systems are not as comprehensive as they assumed. If that is the case, it is better to address it now than to leave and hope for the best.

Incognito Systems can carry out a home security review and advise on the most effective measures for your property. Call us on 01536 680988 or email [email protected] before you travel.