Is Your Home Safe While You're on Holiday?

With thousands of families across Newcastle and the wider North East preparing for summer holidays, many are focused on passports, packing and airport transfers. However, one of the most important tasks often gets left until the last minute, making sure your home is properly secured while you are away.

An empty property can quickly become an attractive target for opportunist criminals, particularly if it appears unoccupied for several days. Fortunately, a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the chances of becoming a victim of burglary while giving you greater peace of mind throughout your trip.

Why holidays can attract burglars.

According to Northumbria Police, burglars are often opportunistic and actively look for signs that a property is empty. Holidays, school breaks and long weekends are all periods when criminals may expect homes to be vacant. Leaving windows unlocked, allowing post to build up or advertising your holiday online can all make a property appear more vulnerable.

While burglary rates across England and Wales have fallen significantly over the past two decades, around 650 burglaries are still reported every day, reminding homeowners that security remains an important consideration before leaving home. Only a relatively small percentage of burglary investigations result in charges or summons, making prevention the most effective defence.

Lock every entry point before you leave.

It sounds obvious, but one of the most common mistakes is forgetting a window, side gate or garage door.

Northumbria Police recommends checking every external door and window before leaving, including upstairs windows that are sometimes left slightly open during warmer weather. Sheds and garages should also be locked, particularly if they contain tools that could be used to gain entry into your home.

Take a few extra minutes to double check conservatories, utility room doors and any outbuildings before setting off.

Make your home look occupied.

A property that appears lived in is often less attractive to criminals.

Smart plugs or timer switches can automatically turn lamps on and off during the evening, creating the impression that someone is home. Modern smart lighting systems can even vary lighting patterns to appear more natural.

If you have a trusted neighbour, ask them to collect post, move bins if collection day falls during your holiday and occasionally park on your driveway if appropriate. These simple actions can make a noticeable difference.

Keeping gardens tidy before you leave is equally important. Overgrown lawns and overflowing bins are obvious signs that nobody has been home for several days.

Think carefully before posting online.

Sharing holiday photos while relaxing on a beach may seem harmless, but public social media posts can unintentionally advertise that your property is empty.

Security experts regularly advise waiting until you return home before posting holiday updates, particularly if your social media profiles are public. Combining location tags with photographs can provide more information than many people realise.

Instead, save your favourite holiday photos and share them once you are safely back in Newcastle.

Invest in smart home security.

Technology has made home security more accessible than ever.

Smart doorbells, CCTV cameras, alarm systems and motion activated lighting allow homeowners to monitor their property from almost anywhere using a smartphone. Many systems send instant alerts if movement is detected and allow users to speak directly with visitors or delivery drivers.

Northumbria Police encourages homeowners to consider visible security measures because burglars generally prefer properties where they are less likely to be seen or recorded. Well positioned lighting, alarms and cameras all help increase the perceived risk for offenders.

Although smart security cannot eliminate crime completely, it can provide valuable evidence and reassurance while you are away.

Do not forget your valuables.

Before travelling, take photographs of valuable possessions, jewellery, electronics and bicycles. Recording serial numbers and storing receipts digitally can make insurance claims much easier if the worst happens.

Small valuables should be stored in a securely fixed safe where possible, while car keys should never be left near the front door. Police warn that many burglars target vehicles by first stealing the keys from inside the house.

It is also worth checking your home insurance policy before travelling to ensure valuable items remain fully covered.

Enjoy your holiday with confidence.

Preparing your home before going on holiday does not need to be complicated. Locking doors and windows, using smart lighting, asking neighbours to keep an eye on your property and avoiding real time holiday updates online can all make your home a less attractive target.

For homeowners across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and the wider North East, a few minutes spent improving home security before departure could provide peace of mind throughout the entire holiday.

As smart home technology continues to become more affordable, combining traditional security measures with modern devices offers one of the best ways to protect your property while enjoying a well deserved break.

Share your home security hints, tips and advice below.
How do you secure your home before going on holiday?