As homeowners prepare for travel, security experts are offering guidance on how to deter potential burglars. Alastair Park, country manager for Reolink UK and Ireland, advises that making a home appear occupied and monitored is crucial.
Burglars often look for signs that a property is empty, such as parcels accumulating on the doorstep, lights remaining off for extended periods, or bins left out after collection day. Homes lacking visible security measures like cameras or video doorbells can be seen as lower-risk targets. Park emphasizes that visible smart security technology can act as a deterrent, allowing homeowners to monitor their property remotely and receive instant alerts for suspicious activity.
To create the illusion of occupancy, homeowners can enlist the help of friends or neighbors to collect mail and move bins. Simple steps such as ensuring all doors and windows are securely locked and keeping valuables out of sight are also recommended. Robbers may also be drawn to dark areas around a property, making motion-activated lighting a useful measure.
Regarding curtains and lights, Park suggests mirroring a home's usual state and having a trusted individual occasionally open and close them. For those using timer switches or smart plugs, Nathan Blackler, a home insurance expert at Go.Compare, notes their utility in turning lights on in the evening.
Social media use during a trip also presents a security risk. Posting holiday photos on public profiles can inadvertently signal that a home is unoccupied. Experts recommend either waiting to share vacation images or using private social media accounts accessible only to friends and family.
Furthermore, homeowners are reminded to review their home insurance policies before traveling. Many policies have stipulations regarding how long a property can remain unoccupied, and some may require security systems to be active or insurers to be notified of extended absences. Checking that contents cover adequately reflects the value of belongings is also important for ensuring sufficient protection in case of a claim.