Going away on holiday is supposed to be an exciting experience but many people dread leaving their home unattended for several days or weeks. If you are concerned about the security of your property while away on holiday, here are some
anti-theft ideas to protect your home while you're away.
Clean up
Make sure that your front and back garden are properly tended to before you go away. An untended garden is a
clear sign that nobody is home and this can easily attract unwanted attention. Do this a day or two before you plan on leaving so that it still
looks good by the time you get back.
Secure all doors and windows
Obviously you want to make sure that all of the possible entry points to your home are secured. This includes all
windows and doors. If you have a home with multiple levels, you will need to secure the
upstairs windows and any balcony doors too. You never know how resourceful burglars can be when they want to access your home. This might also be the time to upgrade your locks. High-security locks are an excellent investment. They are made from the most
durable materials and they are resistant to lock picking. Just the sight of these locks is often enough to detour potential thieves.
Lighting
When the lights in your home are constantly on or always off, it is a clear sign that nobody is home. You can help create the illusion of movement by having your
lights turn on and off while you're away. This can be done by setting the lights to timers or, if you install a
smart system in your home, you can operate them manually. Turn your lights on in the evening and turn them off at night when you
would normally go to bed.
Alarms and motion sensors
An alarm with motion sensors is a great investment. Many
alarm systems are installed and monitored by
private security companies. So, if this is within your budget and something you are interested in, it can really put your mind at ease.
Remote video monitoring
Technology has come such a long way over the past few years. You can now connect your
interior and exterior surveillance cameras to your mobile device which allows you to monitor your home no matter where you are in the world. So, if you are feeling worried, you can always check in to set your
mind at ease.
Help from a neighbour
If you have a neighbour that you
can trust, you can ask them to keep an eye on your home and possibly even go inside to check up on everything
once a day or
every two days. They can clear your mailbox, water plants, feed your dog or anything along these lines.
Secure your valuables
Investing in a safe is always a good idea. Not only for valuables but also for things like important documents. A quality safe will secure your most precious belongings while you're away but it's important that you choose the right
safe with a locking system that will keep potential thieves at bay. If you are unsure, ask a
professional for their advice.
Avoid social media
It's amazing how many people post on social media regarding their latest adventures. They simply cannot wait to share the news with
friends and loved ones. Criminals prowl social media in search of people who advertise the fact that they are not home. It makes
breaking in that much easier and pretty much a sure thing. So, if you want to post to social media, try doing so after you have returned.
Whether you are planning a holiday or simply want to improve your home security, our expert team at Capital Locksmith is happy to assist. Call us at
(613) 457-5135 for all your locksmith needs. We are available
24/7 in the event of a
locksmith emergency.