Planning a holiday can be exciting, but ensuring your home is safe while you’re away is crucial for your peace of mind. From safeguarding your belongings to deterring intruders, there are several steps you can take to minimise the risk of burglary or intrusion. At Argus Security, we specialise in keeping your home safe while on vacation, offering a wide range of security solutions to give you confidence, knowing your property is well-protected.
In this post, we offer up some essential home security tips to help you prepare for a worry-free holiday.
1 – Lock Your Doors and Windows: The Basics First
While this may seem obvious, many homeowners underestimate the importance of locking every possible entry point. It’s not just about the front door; ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before you leave. Double-check sliding doors, as they can often be an easy target for burglars. Consider reinforcing these entry points with crime-safe security doors or window locks – at Argus Security, our range of high-quality locks and reinforced security doors can provide the extra layer of protection needed to deter unwanted visitors.
2 – Make Your Home Look Lived-In
One of the most effective ways of securing your home on holiday is to make it look like someone is still there. Burglars often scout out homes that appear vacant for extended periods. Here are a few simple tricks to achieve this:
- Timers for lights and electronics: Installing timers to turn on lights or the television at various times of the day can create the illusion that someone is home.
- Park a car in your driveway: If you’re not taking your vehicle with you, ask a neighbour or family member to park their car in your driveway.
3 – Ask a Neighbour for Help
Building a relationship with your neighbours can be a valuable security measure; let them know when you’ll be away and ask them to keep an eye on your property. Neighbours can collect your mail, put out the bins or simply take note of any unusual activity, and this added vigilance can be a great deterrent to potential intruders.
4 – Don’t Broadcast Your Holiday Plans
It’s tempting to share your holiday excitement on social media, but this could make your home a target. Avoid posting about your upcoming trip or sharing real-time updates that reveal you’re not home. Instead, set your accounts to private and wait until you’re back to post those holiday snaps.
You should also ensure your voicemail doesn’t give away your absence. A simple “We can’t come to the phone right now” message is better than something like “We’re away until next week”.
5 – Hide Your Valuables
Even with the most secure doors and windows, a break-in can still happen – limit your losses by hiding valuables like jewellery, electronics, or important documents. Avoid placing them in obvious locations such as bedroom drawers or the living room. Instead, use a home safe or get creative with hiding spots around your house.
Argus Security offers a variety of home safes designed to protect your most valuable items. Our experts can help you choose the right safe for your needs, providing peace of mind while you’re away.
6 – Keep Your Garden Tidy
Overgrown lawns and untidy gardens can signal to burglars that no one is home; so before you leave, mow the lawn, trim bushes, and clean up any outdoor clutter. If you’re gone for an extended period, consider hiring a gardener or asking a friend to maintain your yard.
7 – Secure Sliding Doors and Windows
Sliding doors are often one of the weakest points in a home’s security (a determined burglar can easily lift a sliding door off its track). To secure sliding doors, consider installing a door brace or rod that prevents them from being opened from the outside. Likewise, windows should have sturdy locks to ensure they can’t be easily pried open. Argus Security’s sliding door locks and window security options can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins.
Stay Safe & Enjoy Your Break!
When it comes to keeping your home safe while on vacation, preparation is everything. By taking just a few proactive steps, you can enjoy your holiday with full peace of mind, knowing your home is secure. Whether you’re just seeking advice or you’re looking to invest in an advanced security system for your home, Argus Security offers a range of products and packages to protect your home while you’re away.
With our expertise and tailored solutions, you can rest easy knowing your property is in safe hands – speak with one of our knowledgeable experts today. Safe travels!