How to keep your home safe while away on holidays

Are you planning to go away over the holidays? Perhaps you have a lot of events to attend and you’ll be away for hours at a time. As the holiday season approaches, you need to consider how you plan to keep your home safe while you’re away.

Statistics show that home break-ins increase around the holiday season, particularly Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Home Alone wasn’t lying about professional burglars scoping out neighbourhoods to determine who will or will not be home. There are plenty of measures that you can put in place to protect your Christmas presents and other belongings. Keep your home safe!

• Alarm System

This is the most efficient method of ensuring your home is fully protected. Many security systems provide you with the option to check-in through a live video feed. You can see who’s ringing the doorbell or if anyone is lurking. It’s an investment, but one that will provide you with peace of mind.

• CCTV Cameras

You can install cameras as part of an alarm system or as a separate entity. No one wants to be caught on camera breaking the law. So, install cameras at key points of entry and rest easy in the knowledge that you’re covered.

• Lighting

With smart lights, you can automate your home lighting to follow the same routine you normally do. To anyone watching your property, it will appear as though you are home and operating as normal.

Alternatively (or as well as), you can opt for sensor lights to deter danger. This is something you will find useful all year round, much like most of the tips on this list.

• Planning Ahead

If you have normal service visits from pool cleaners or gardeners, then keep them up even when you’re away. It’s also a good idea to leave a key with someone you trust. They can look in for unexpected deliveries or mail and keep up with any plant watering, etc. If you can’t find someone willing to do this for you, try to put a hold on your newspaper and mail deliveries whilst you’re away. Whatever you do, don’t leave a key hidden for someone to access your home.

Don’t update social media with posts from your holiday destination or announce that you’re going away. It’s best to make a single post with pictures and news upon your return. You never know who’s watching.

Before you go, lock your valuables away in a safe or in a safe spot. Your bedroom isn’t as safe as you think, it’s where everyone keeps their valuables. Try a bathroom cupboard or even the kitchen pantry instead.

• Location

Where you live does matter in terms of home safety. You can increase your safety by opting for a home on single blocks of land. Redbank Calala Estate is a stunning area. It is tipped to be one of Tamworth’s greatest neighbourhoods. Or, Windmill Hill Estate in the stunning Hill Plains area. It’s a safe and convenient location. A safe neighbourhood makes a big difference to the overall safety of your home, family, and ultimately, your happiness.