The Easter Bank Holiday is one of the busiest travel periods of the year in the UK. As the weather improves and the schools break up, thousands of families head away for a long weekend or a spring holiday.
While you are away enjoying the break, your empty home can become an attractive target for opportunists. Burglaries often see a spike during bank holidays simply because more properties are left unattended.
Here is our expert guide to ensuring your home stays secure this Easter.
Test Your Remote Access
If you have a modern CCTV system, your most powerful tool is the ability to monitor your home from your smartphone. However, it is common to find that an app needs updating or a password has been forgotten just as you reach your destination.
A few days before you leave, log into your security app and ensure the live feeds are loading correctly. Check that your notifications are turned on so that you receive an instant alert if motion is detected on your property. Knowing you can “check in” at any time provides a level of peace of mind that traditional alarms simply cannot match.
The Illusion of Presence
The goal of home security is to make your property look like a “difficult” target. Burglars prefer houses that look clearly empty.
If you have integrated your CCTV with smart lighting, as discussed in our previous post, you can set “away modes” that turn lights on and off in different rooms throughout the evening. If you don’t have smart lighting, simple plug-in timers for lamps are a cost-effective alternative. Combined with a visible, professional CCTV camera, these small steps are often enough to make a potential intruder move on.
Secure Your Deliveries
A tell-tale sign of an empty house is a pile of post or a parcel left sitting on the doorstep. If you are expecting deliveries, try to reschedule them or ask a trusted neighbour to collect them for you.
If you have a smart doorbell or an entry camera, you can speak directly to delivery drivers through your phone. You can ask them to leave parcels with a specific neighbour or in a secure location, ensuring your doorstep remains clear and doesn’t advertise your absence.
Check Your Perimeter Hardware
Before you set off, take a final walk around the outside of your house. Winter can be hard on gates and fences, and a loose panel or a rusty bolt can provide an easy point of entry.
- Ensure all side gates are padlocked from the inside.
- Check that garden tools, which could be used to force a door or window, are locked away in a secure shed.
- Verify that your CCTV cameras have a clear line of sight, as spring growth can quickly block a lens (see our March Maintenance guide for more on this).
The Importance of Accurate Recording
While remote viewing is great for peace of mind, your system’s primary job is to record high-quality evidence. Check that your NVR or DVR is recording correctly and that the date and time stamps are accurate.
If an incident were to occur while you are away, having clear, timestamped footage is essential for both the police and your insurance company. If you are unsure how to check your system’s recording status, it is worth having a professional health check before the holiday begins.
Professional Security for Total Peace of Mind
At A&M UK Security, we understand that your home is your most valuable asset. Our goal is to ensure that when you go on holiday, you can truly relax, knowing that your property is being watched over by the latest in surveillance technology.
Whether you need a last-minute system service, a mobile app setup, or a full high-definition upgrade, our team is ready to help. We provide bespoke security solutions that fit your lifestyle and your budget.
Contact A&M UK Security today to ensure your home is holiday-ready this Easter.
