HOLIDAY season can mean rich pickings for thieves, so make sure your home is secure when you go away.
These measures cost nothing but should help save you the heavy price of a break-in.
KEEP SCHTUM: Don’t tell the world when you’re going away for a few days. You never know who is listening, so avoid broadcasting an upcoming holiday to friends in the pub or telling half the town in the local shop.
The same goes for social media. If you can’t resist sharing your sunny pictures, make sure your posts aren’t public so that they can only be seen by your friends.
Better still, hold off posting until you’re safely back home.
SWAP FAVOURS WITH A FRIEND: Making your home look lived in is an important line of defence against thieves.
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Ask a friend if they can pop by to pick up your post, park on your drive and close the curtains after dark.
If it seems like a big ask, offer to return the favour when they take their own trip.
You can also put your lights on a timer switch to make it look like someone is home in the evening.
SECURE YOUR STUFF: Don’t put valuables on display. Hide tech and other expensive items, or leave them with someone you trust.
Place keys out of sight, shut away in a drawer, and clear your hallway of handbags.
Lock away ladders and tools so they can’t be used to get into your home and bring expensive bikes and outdoor kit inside.
Take photos of jewellery and register your precious items for free at the national property register (immobilise.com).
CHECK, MATE: Make sure you have up-to-date building and contents insurance.
Read your policy in case you should take specific measures before you go away.
And while you are at it, you may as well unplug all unnecessary appliances to save on energy bills and cut the risk of electrical fires.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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