Whilst the summer season will soon be among us and summer holidays are being planned, burglars are patiently waiting for homeowners to make the simple mistakes that give them the opportunity to raid your home.

Here are just a few security facts and tips to keep you and your home safe.

1. Locked windows and doors before you leave. As simple as this sounds, sometimes people forget to double check that every door and window in their home is locked and secure before they head out on their trip. About 30% of all home break-ins are through an open door or window.
2. Don’t forget to set the alarm. As with forgetting to ensure all doors and windows are locked and secure, setting the security alarm can be just as easily overlooked. This is especially true when you’re in a rush of excitement to get out the door and on the road to start your vacation. Do you have an authorised key-holder for your alarm? https://www.smsw.co.uk/key-holding-alarm-response-2/
3. Ask your neighbour to park in your driveway while you are away. If you typically park your car in your driveway when you’re home, ask your neighbour if he/she would mind parking their car in your driveway while you’re away. This will give the appearance that someone is home and will help deter any thieves.
4. Turn off your mail service or have a neighbour pick up your mail. One easy way to tell if someone isn’t home is to just notice the pile of newspapers or the overflow of mail pouring from the mailbox. Turning off your mail service or having a trusted neighbour pick up your mail if you’re going to be gone awhile is a great way to deter thieves. http://www.royalmail.com/personal/receiving-mail/keepsafe
5. Find a house sitter. Another option you have when you’re planning a trip away from home is to have one of your friends or relatives stay at your place while you’re away. Doing so will allow you to enjoy your holiday rest assured that someone you know and trust is staying in your home and that it’s not left unattended. If you decide to do this, it’s also a good idea to let your neighbour know that you will have a house sitter. That way there is no confusion or reason for alarm when they see a stranger in your house!
6. Leave a few lights on. If getting a house sitter isn’t an option for you, then consider leaving on a few lights throughout the house so that it looks like someone is home.
7. Do not post your vacation on social media. You might be “friends” with several people through social media, but how well do you really know them? This is a question to keep in mind while you are on holiday and thinking about posting status updates to all of your “friends”. As tempting as it may be to post pictures and updates of your holiday as it’s happening, waiting until after you return is the best time to post it to your social media. If not, you risk letting would-be thieves know in real time where you are and when you’re coming back. It’s the perfect opportunity for them to break into your home while you’re away. Here are a few things to remember when it comes to social media and being safe:

• Don’t check in to hotels or airports
• Turn off the GPS tracking feature on your phone or social media app
• Check your privacy settings on your social media accounts so you can make sure your posts are going to the people you want them to and are not visible to the public.

Just follow these 7 easy tips while you’re on holiday, and you’ll enjoy your trip knowing that you took all the proper measures to ensure your home stays safe and secure while you’re away.

Happy Holidays!