With the February half-term approaching, many families across the UK are preparing for a well-deserved break. Whether you are heading to the slopes for a ski trip or escaping the winter chill for some sun, leaving your home empty can be a source of anxiety.
Burglars often look for signs of an empty house during school holidays. However, with a bit of forward planning and the right technology, you can ensure your property remains a difficult target.
Here is our essential security checklist for the upcoming holiday.
Make the House Look “Lived-In”
The biggest giveaway that a family is away is a house that stays exactly the same for several days. A pile of mail behind the front door or curtains that remain closed throughout the day are clear signals to opportunists.
If you can, ask a trusted neighbour to collect your post and perhaps park their car on your driveway occasionally. Smart lighting is also an excellent investment. You can set timers or use an app to turn lamps on and off in different rooms at natural times, creating the illusion that someone is home.
Leverage Remote Monitoring
One of the greatest advantages of modern CCTV is the ability to check in on your home from anywhere in the world. Before you head to the airport, ensure your system’s mobile app is fully updated and that you remember your login details.
Remote monitoring allows you to receive instant alerts if a camera detects movement on your property. Knowing you can take a look at your driveway or garden from your smartphone provides immense peace of mind while you are relaxing on holiday.
Secure the Perimeters
It sounds obvious, but a surprising number of break-ins occur because a side gate was left unlocked or a window was left on the latch.
Before you leave:
- Double-check all window locks, including those on the upper floors.
- Ensure sheds and garages are padlocked, as they often contain tools that could be used to force entry into the main house.
- Clear any ladders or garden furniture that could be used to reach high windows.
The “Social Media” Rule
It is tempting to share photos of your holiday while you are still away, but this is effectively advertising that your home is empty.
Consider waiting until you return home to post your holiday highlights. If your social media profiles are public, anyone can see that you are hundreds of miles away from your property. Security is as much about digital habits as it is about physical locks.
Check Your CCTV Storage
If your system records to a local hard drive (DVR or NVR), check that it has enough space to cover the duration of your trip. The last thing you want is for the system to stop recording halfway through your holiday because the memory is full.
If you haven’t checked your recording logs recently, now is the time to do so. Ensure that the date and time stamps are accurate, as incorrect timings can make footage inadmissible as evidence.
Professional Support Before You Go
If you are unsure about your system’s reliability or if your cameras haven’t been serviced in a while, it is worth getting a professional health check before the half-term begins.
At A&M UK Security, we help homeowners across the region ensure their systems are holiday-ready. From setting up remote access on your phone to installing high-definition upgrades, we ensure you can focus on your holiday without worrying about what is happening back home.
Contact A&M UK Security today to ensure your home is fully protected before you head away.
