Peace of mind whilst you’re away: Secure your home before you travel!

Everyone needs a holiday, but we want you to come home and find everything as you left it. Almost half of all burglaries happen when a home is left empty. By following the tips set out below you can help to make your home more secure while you are away. Why not tick them off  before you go?

• Make sure your home looks occupied. Ideally, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to look after it and to check for post and parcels on the doorstep or left protruding from the letterbox. Let them have a spare set of keys, but don’t put your name or address on them.
• Don’t leave your curtains closed during the daytime, as this shows the house is empty.
• Use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights on at dusk. 
• Cancel any regular deliveries such as newspapers and milk.
• Cut the lawn before you go and trim back any plants that burglars could hide behind.
• Uncollected mail is a sign that you’re away. The Royal Mail’s ‘Keepsafe’ service will keep your mail for up to two months while you’re away.
• Avoid putting your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination.Put this only on the inside of your cases.
• Make sure that you have up-to-date contents and buildings insurance.
• Keep tools and ladders that can be used to break in locked away.
• If you aren’t leaving your car at home, why not ask a neighbour or a friend to park their car on your drive.
• Don’t publish your absence on social media. Status updates, comments and photos can all give away that your home is empty.
• Is there a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme where you live? Visit http://www.ourwatch.org.uk and enter your postcode to check to see if there are any schemes set up in your area, or alternatively speak with us via our email address.
• Finally, don’t forget to lock all external doors and windows. If you’ve got a burglar alarm, make sure it is set.

And just before you set off, it’s worth spending a couple minutes checking you’ve done all you had to do and taken everything you need with you. Don’t forget your passport and tickets!

Email: office@wdnhwatch.plus.com

Facebook: @wycombenhw

Instagram: @wycombenhw

DOWNLOAD A PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS CHECKLIST HERE.