7 tips to locking up your house before you head off for your December vacation

We've compiled a checklist for you to follow to help you make sure your home security is in top-notch order before you head off. To make sure your home is not vulnerable and is not an easy target for criminals, here are some smart, practical things you can attend to before going away.

Preparations before going away
 

1. Identify and address any weak access spots

• Check for any loose windows and latches, weak doors and locks or damaged or rusted burglar bars.
• Walk around your property to inspect your perimeter walls and gates for any damage or signs of tampering. 
• Cut back any foliage that overhangs your electric fence to avoid this triggering a false alarm and an unwelcome call from your security company while on holiday. 
• Trim overgrown bushes around the house to remove potential hiding places for intruders.
• Secure any outbuildings as these are often easy targets.

2. Security service

Check your alarm is in good working order - a few times in the weeks before going away is best. Advise your security company that you will be away so they can increase their surveillance.

3. Lighting

• Ensure there is sufficient outdoor lighting and that it's all functioning properly. 
• Motion sensor lights are great for picking up any movement and as burglars prefer to operate in the dark, this acts as an extra deterrent. 
• Connect some indoor lights to timer switches set to light up randomly inside your house to give the appearance that the home is occupied.

4. Hide your valuables

Organise a safe or a hideaway in your home to conceal your sentimentals, valuables and important documents. Should a break-in occur, then these will not be accessible to the burglars.

5. Pick up post and newspapers

Arrange a family member, friends or a kind neighbour to collect your post and newspapers and to keep an eye on your property whilst you're away.

6. Pet arrangements

Now what are you going to do about your pets? Make arrangements to leave them at home in the care of a trusted pet sitter or with a reputable local boarding kennel or cattery for care and safe-keeping? Or, maybe you're taking them on holiday too? Then, if necessary, book pet-friendly accommodation for your vacation or for overnighting en route to and from your holiday destination.

7. Social media posts

Criminals could even be monitoring your social media, so do not advertise your holiday plans and details on any social media platform. Whilst away, don't post photos of the family which can identify that you are away from home.

Just about to leave for your holiday - last minute checks....

• Hide away all your valuables and important items.
• Set the timers on your indoor lights. 
• Keep the outer appearance of your home as usual so that all looks normal and occupied.
• Do a final walk-around check of your house to ensure all windows and doors are securely locked. Don't forget the outbuildings!
• Activate the alarm.

With the house secure, the family all packed and waiting in excited anticipation in the car, you are at last ready to head off to your long-awaited, well-deserved holiday destination.

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