Over the next few months, most of us will be taking our well-deserved summer holidays. Whether you’re going abroad, or staying in the UK – it’s important that you secure your property effectively before you go.
Properties that look obviously unoccupied are very attractive targets for thieves. The “key” is to make sure you have security arrangements in place and in full working order before you leave. Also, to try and make your home looks occupied as usual.
So, if you’re off on your summer holidays soon, read on. We’ve pulled together some actions that are good to follow, some of which will be conditions of your insurance policy.
Lock Up
A pretty obvious point, but when you’re in a rush preparing to leave your property to catch your flight or get in a taxi, you’d be surprised how often something is left unlocked.
Make sure you lock up all windows and doors, any garages, sheds or other outbuildings properly. Do multiple checks, as you may think you’ve locked something, but you might not have done. To be certain and give yourself peace of mind, it’s important to check, check and check again. It may help to take a checklist around the house with you, marking off each area of your house once it’s been locked successfully.
Make Use of a Security Alarm
A security alarm is a real valuable tool for you and your home all year round, but even more so at this time of year, when you’re away from your property for long periods of time. If you have a security alarm, make sure it’s in full working order before you leave. Do a couple of trial runs yourself to be sure. If you have a security alarm that’s monitored, don’t forget to give your monitoring station the details of any key holders.
Cancel Deliveries
Prepare in advance and discretely cancel or re-schedule any regular deliveries to the premises that you have. This will avoid a build up outside your property, which is a real tell-tail sign that the place is empty.
Tidy Up & Clear Away Your Valuables
Before you go away, clear away any tools or ladders around the exterior of your property, as you do not want to provide the very thing for an intruder to gain access into your home. Make sure you move your car keys or any other valuables out of view – away from windows especially. If possible, security mark your valuables, so if the worst is to happen then you may have a chance to get them back. Lock away any important personal documents and your most treasured items such as bank statements or jewellery in a home safe or a lockable set of drawers.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
The key to going away is to make it look like you’re not really away at all. Make your home look occupied by asking a neighbour to draw curtains, move your car to a different location on the driveway, turn your lights on for a few hours of an evening or move your post build up. Another action that you can take is to mow your grass before you leave. If your grass looks freshly cut then it looks “unlikely” that you are away. You never know who is watching.
Neighbourhood Watch
If your area has neighbourhood watch, enlist their help. See if it’s possible for them to pay special attention to your property whilst you’re away.
Don’t Broadcast on Social Media
One of the most important things not to do is to advertise the fact that you’re away on holiday, especially on social media. Social media is a very powerful tool and sometimes not in your favour. For example, posting pictures on Facebook of you enjoying yourself away on holiday. This can give any potential thieves the information that your home is empty and could invalidate your insurance. Besides, you’re meant to be enjoying your holiday! Savour the moment and put your phone down.
If you have any questions for Omni Davis, or you’d like to chat through home insurance cover options, get in touch:
Tel: 01403 785775 or 01243 864018
Email: info@omnidavis.co.uk
