You've booked your holiday. The excitement is building. But there's a nagging worry at the back of your mind. Is your home safe while you're away? Burglars love empty houses. Let's make sure they don't target yours.
Did you know?
Burglaries increase by up to 30% during holiday seasons. Most happen during the day when houses are empty.
Before You Leave: The Basics
Get these right and you're already ahead of most people.
Check All Entry Points
This sounds obvious. But we get calls from people who forgot to lock the back door. Or left a window ajar. Do a complete walk-around before you leave.
- ✓ Front door - is the deadbolt engaged?
- ✓ Back door - properly locked, not just on the latch?
- ✓ All windows - closed and locked, including upstairs?
- ✓ Garage door - secured and internal door locked?
- ✓ Side gates - locked with a proper padlock?
Don't Advertise Your Holiday
Social media is a burglar's best friend. That airport selfie tells everyone you're not home. Save the holiday photos for when you're back.
- ✓ Don't post holiday plans publicly
- ✓ Turn off location sharing on social media
- ✓ Wait until you're home to share photos
- ✓ Be careful who you tell about your trip
Make Your Home Look Occupied
The goal is simple. Make it look like someone's home. Burglars don't want confrontation. They move on to easier targets.
Use Timer Lights
Smart plugs are cheap. Set lights to turn on at dusk and off at bedtime. Vary the rooms. A TV simulator adds realistic flickering light too.
Handle Your Post
A stuffed letterbox screams "nobody home". Ask Royal Mail to hold your post. Or have a neighbour collect it daily.
Garden Maintenance
Overgrown lawns signal an empty house. Get someone to mow if you're away long. In winter, have them make footprints in the snow.
Park Strategically
If possible, have a neighbour park in your driveway. An empty driveway is a giveaway. A car outside suggests someone's in.
Physical Security Upgrades
Some investments pay for themselves by preventing one break-in. Consider these before your next holiday:
Anti-Snap Cylinders
Most Belfast break-ins use "lock snapping" on UPVC doors. Anti-snap cylinders cost around £80 fitted and take minutes to install. It's the single best upgrade you can make.
Door Reinforcement
London bars and door chains add extra security. Door frame reinforcement plates stop kick-ins. These are simple additions that make a big difference.
Window Locks
Many older windows have weak or no locks. Adding key-operated locks to downstairs windows is affordable and effective.
Security Lighting
Motion-activated lights startle intruders and alert neighbours. Cover your front door, back garden, and side passages.
Tech That Helps
Modern technology makes home security easier than ever. Here's what actually works:
- Video doorbell: See who's at your door from anywhere. Burglars often knock first to check if anyone's home.
- Smart alarm: Get alerts on your phone if sensors trigger. Some let you speak through the system to scare intruders.
- Indoor cameras: Check on your home anytime. Also useful for monitoring pets or deliveries.
- Smart locks: Lock and unlock remotely. See who came and went. No hidden keys needed for cat sitters.
Your Neighbours Are Your Best Security
Tell a trusted neighbour you're away. Give them your number. Ask them to:
- • Collect any deliveries that arrive
- • Open and close curtains occasionally
- • Put out and bring in your bins
- • Keep an eye on any unusual activity
- • Park in your driveway if they can
In return, offer to do the same for them. It's how communities work. And it's more effective than any alarm.
Quick Holiday Security Checklist
Before You Leave:
- ☐ All doors and windows locked
- ☐ Timer lights set up
- ☐ Post held or collected
- ☐ Bins arranged
- ☐ Neighbour informed
- ☐ Alarm set
- ☐ Valuables hidden or secured
- ☐ Garden tools locked away
- ☐ Spare key removed from hiding spot
- ☐ Social media privacy checked
Upgrade Your Security Before Your Next Holiday
We can fit anti-snap locks, reinforce doors, and advise on the best security setup for your Belfast home. One call, complete peace of mind.
Call 07928 454463If the Worst Happens
Nobody wants to come home to a break-in. But if it happens:
- Don't go in. The burglar might still be inside. Call 999 from outside.
- Don't touch anything. Preserve evidence for police.
- Call your insurance. Document everything with photos.
- Secure the property. We offer emergency boarding and lock replacement 24/7.
We're here if you need us. Day or night. But with these tips, hopefully you won't.
Have a great holiday. Your home will be waiting safely when you get back.