June is here, and for many of us in Swindon and across the UK, our thoughts are turning to summer holidays. The excitement of planning a getaway, booking flights, and dreaming of sunnier shores is one of the best parts of the year. But in the rush to pack our bags, it’s crucial we don’t forget to prepare the one thing we’re leaving behind: our home.
Ensuring your home is secure while you’re away is the key to a truly relaxing and worry-free holiday. Unfortunately, empty homes can be a target for opportunistic thieves, but a few simple, professional-approved checks can dramatically improve your security and peace of mind. As your local locksmith, we’ve put together the essential steps to take before you head off on your travels.
More Than Just Locking the Door
Before you leave, take a walk around your property and think like a potential burglar. Where are the weak spots? Your front door is the obvious starting point. Is the lock robust and up to current standards? Many insurance policies require main doors to be fitted with locks that conform to BS 3621. This standard ensures the lock has been rigorously tested against common burglary techniques like drilling and picking. If you have an older or basic cylinder lock, especially on a uPVC door, consider upgrading to an anti-snap model. It’s a significant security enhancement for a relatively small investment.
Don’t stop at the front door. Your ground-floor windows, patio doors, and any side or back entrances are just as important. Are the locks on your windows functioning correctly? For older windows, simple and effective devices like sash jammers can add an extra layer of formidable protection. It’s also vital to check any sheds or garages where you store valuable tools or bicycles. These are often overlooked but can be an easy target.
The goal is to make your home appear occupied and as difficult a target as possible. Simple timers for lamps can create the illusion of activity in the evenings. However, a classic giveaway that you’re away is a pile of post on the doormat. For longer trips, it’s worth using the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service, which holds your mail for you until you return. For shorter breaks, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to pop in every day or two to clear the letterbox, draw curtains, and generally keep an eye on things.
Your Essential Pre-Holiday Security Checklist
To make things simple, here is a final checklist to run through in the days before you depart.
- Check All Locks: Manually check every door and window lock to ensure they are working correctly and are properly secured. Pay special attention to patio doors and ground-floor windows.
- Upgrade Your Cylinders: If you have standard euro cylinder locks, consider upgrading them to police-approved, anti-snap versions for a high-security boost.
- Secure Outdoor Buildings: Don’t forget the shed and garage. Ensure the padlocks or locks are robust and not rusted or easily broken.
- Manage Your Post: Arrange for a neighbour to collect your mail or use the Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service. Nothing says “we’re away” like an overflowing letterbox.
- Use Light Timers: Set a couple of lamps on timers to come on in the evenings in different rooms, creating a believable illusion of occupancy.
- Don’t Announce Your Trip: Be cautious about posting your holiday plans on social media. It’s best to share those amazing photos once you’re safely back home.
- Inform a Trusted Neighbour: Let someone you trust know that you’ll be away. They can be an invaluable set of eyes and ears, and you can leave a spare key with them for emergencies (but not for your high-security locks!).
Leave with Confidence
Your holiday should be a time for relaxation, not for worrying about what’s happening back home. A quick security audit and a few preventative measures are all it takes to secure your property.
If you’re unsure about the quality of your locks or want a professional assessment before you travel, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We can provide pre-holiday security checks across Swindon and the surrounding areas to ensure your home is safe, leaving you free to enjoy your well-deserved break.
