Thieves are often watching for homes that look empty, particularly during school holidays, as they know this is a popular time to go away. Follow this advice to help prevent your household falling victim to burglars:
- Make your home look like someone is living in it, e.g. don’t close your curtains. In daytime this shows your house is empty. Also, use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark.
- Cancel any newspaper or milk deliveries.
- Trusted neighbours may be able to help you by collecting your post or parking their car on your driveway.
- Try not to take a taxi to the airport. If you do, use a taxi company you can rely on, don’t discuss your holiday plans and make it sound like you have a house-sitter, whether you do or not.
- Leave important documents and valuable items with other family members or a bank. Alternatively lock them in a safe.
- Do not put your home address on your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination. A house number and postcode will suffice if you want to label your luggage.
- If you normally leave bicycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house.
- Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and set your burglar alarm if you have one.
- Don’t post public messages on social media that you’re away from home.