Planning a trip and finally getting the chance to go away on holiday, relax and enjoy yourself is one of life’s most important luxuries.
Escaping from the daily grind and making memories with loved ones, or even enjoying some peaceful moments to yourself, is truly valuable, and you want to go away knowing that your house will be secure while you’re away so that no nasty surprise await your return. You should not have to spend any time worrying about the security of your home, especially if you are off to a far-flung destination.
With two burglaries occurring every minute in the U.S. alone it can be a very real possibility, especially if you live in a desirable abode with valuable items worth breaking in for. But it will be reassuring to know that there some very simple ways to ensure that your home is safe and protected so you can get on with the business of basking in whatever beautiful location you are heading off to.
If you’re heading off on a fantastic retreat soon and you want to do everything you can to avoid being burgled then read on for seven ways in which you can prepare your home before you leave.
Get help from trusted friends or neighbours
Before you head off on any type of holiday, no matter the length of time, it is always a good idea to inform a trusted friend, family member or neighbour. Ask them to check on your home occasionally to stop it from looking so empty and while they are there, they can pick up any of your mail, water the plants, and generally keep an eye on things. If any criminal were watching your home, it would make it less of a target if there were activity. Also, if you have a neighbour in the know, they would be able to inform the authorities immediately if they saw any suspicious activity.
Clean up the garden
An unkempt yard, with a messy lawn and overgrown bushes, could be heaven for regular burglars, offering the perfect cover while on your property. Before you leave for your holiday, ensure that your outdoor area is kept as tidy as possible. Make sure the lawn is mowed, and any bushes are trimmed and make sure that your front door can be easily seen from the road. While you’re away, ensure any regular maintenance is kept up by a gardener as any activity should be a deterrent for a burglar.
Install a home security system
One of the best purchases you can make to improve security in your home is an alarm system. Home security systems are great because many of them can link straight to your phone or tablet. You will be able to get notified in real-time if any of your alarms have been triggered, and even see a live feed of your house. To find the best alarm system for you, make sure to do your research first, get a professional opinion and opt for a state of the art system to keep your luxury property safe.
Keep valuables out of sight
It shouldn’t be easy for a burglar to be able to peep through your windows anyway, but if you’re house is set up to make this possible, always ensure that any valuables are kept in a safe and that the safe is well secured. If you have any electronic devices, art or other valuables that can be spotted through the windows, try and place them out of view, but ultimately, don’t make it easy for anyone to spot expensive items inside your home.
Reinforce your doors and windows
Since your doors and windows are the weakest points of your home, and the obvious place for a burglar to gain access, it can certainly be worthwhile reinforcing them before you go away on vacation. For sliding windows and doors, you can place a rod or stick into the tracks to prevent it from opening from the outside and for regular doors, you can purchase an electronic deadbolt.
Install sufficient lighting
One of the easiest steps to protect your home while you are away is to install motion sensor lighting outside your home. This way, if anyone triggers the response, they will be lit up and exposed, hopefully scaring any potential intruder away. Opt for solar-powered lights, which will use less electricity for a more sustainable approach.
Do not advertise that you’re away
While it might be oh-so tempting to share with the world a selection of attractive images during your enviable holiday, it’s not a great idea to post your holiday photos online until after you return from your vacation. Advertising the fact that you are not at home will negate anything else you have done in preparation and you really never know who is following you online. Unless your account is private and you trust every person who follows you, it’s just not worth it! Stay safe and wait until your vacation is over then you can show the world all of the amazing sights from your exotic trip.