Protect your Home while you are on Holiday

Let's face it, no one wants to return home from holiday to realise that burglars called while they were away, but it is a sad reality for many!

While no amount of preparation will prevent every break-in, a few simple steps can lower the risk of your home being targeted by burglars.

Fit an alarm

There is no better way to secure your home while you are away then having an alarm system. It may be enough to encourage the Burglar to look elsewhere!

Ask a neighbour or friend to check up on Things

The easiest and the best way to ensure your home is protected is to ask a neighbour to check up on the house, making sure that there is nothing obvious on display to enable a burglar to know that the house is unoccupied. Things such as parcels at the front doorstep, etc. The favour can be returned when they are away.

Use Digital light Timers on some lights

A house in pitch blackness during the night-time for a 1 or 2 week is a definite sign that you are on holiday. At the same time, you will not want to flick the light switch on as you leave your home, as leaving the light on the whole time would not be feasible.

Digital light Timers are a cheap and easy to use alternative you can buy in the shops into which you can plug lamps, and which they then plug straight into the socket on the wall. These are equipped to turn several electronics and your lights off and on at different times of the day.

Don't just think of lamps either! These timers can be used on TVs or radios to generate natural noise in the home.

Have Someone cut your grass

One of the easiest ways for someone to know that you are on holidays or away from home is having a lawn longer than it normally would be. Therefore, during the summer months, ask a friend, landscaping company, or a family member if they will cut the grass if you are going to be away for an extended period.

Be wary of Social Media

These days most holidays are immediately shared all over the internet social media sites for the whole world to share. We all know It's enticing to post the best pictures you have taken on the internet, but this will broadcast to the world that you're away and your belongings are there for the taking. So, it is more sensible to leave the photo-sharing until you get home.

Lock Everything

It makes a lot of sense, but you should always make sure every entrance to your home is locked.

Spare Keys should not be left out

Leaving spare keys hidden somewhere is never a good idea, before you leave is the best time to collect them all and put them away safely.

Consider Hiring a sitter for your house

To cover all tactics and one of the best options is to hire a house sitter. Whether a friend, acquaintance or a family member, having someone stay at your home to keep an eye and to care for your property is the best way to make sure your home is safe especially if you are on an extended holiday.

More advice on securing your home is available in this article from The Irish Times