Would You Trust Your Neighbour With Your Home?

Planning a holiday usually means checking passports, packing suitcases and arranging transport to the airport. However, there is one question many homeowners across Newcastle and the North East still ask before heading away. Should you tell your neighbours you're going on holiday?

The answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no. Sharing your travel plans with the right people can help protect your home while you are away, but telling the wrong people or making your plans too public could increase the risk instead.

Security experts and police continue to encourage homeowners to think carefully about who they trust before leaving their property empty for days or even weeks.

Why trusted neighbours can make a difference.

Good neighbours have always been one of the simplest forms of home security.

According to Police.uk, homeowners going away should consider asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on their property, collect post, close curtains after dark if appropriate and even park on the driveway occasionally to make the house appear occupied. These small actions can reduce obvious signs that nobody is home.

Across Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland and County Durham, many streets still benefit from strong community relationships where neighbours naturally look out for one another. While smart technology has become increasingly popular, a familiar face noticing unusual activity remains one of the most effective deterrents.

Not every neighbour needs to know.

Although informing a trusted neighbour is sensible, broadcasting your holiday plans to everyone nearby is another matter.

Only tell people you know well and would feel comfortable giving emergency contact details to. A trusted neighbour can quickly alert you if they notice suspicious behaviour, unexpected visitors or damage caused by severe weather.

Police also advise against leaving spare keys under plant pots, doormats or decorative stones. If someone genuinely needs access to your home, handing a key directly to a trusted neighbour or close family member is a far safer option.

Social media can reveal more than you think.

Many homeowners carefully tell only one or two neighbours about their holiday, yet accidentally announce it to hundreds of people online.

Posting airport selfies, beach photographs or live location updates can unintentionally advertise that your home is empty. Police.uk recommends ensuring social media posts are private or, even better, waiting until you return home before sharing holiday photographs.

This advice is particularly important if your social media accounts are public or your profile clearly identifies where you live.

The statistics behind holiday security.

Home security remains a concern across the UK despite long term improvements in burglary rates.

Around 650 burglaries are reported every day across England and Wales, demonstrating that opportunist crime remains a reality for homeowners. Prevention continues to be the most effective defence, especially as only a relatively small proportion of burglary investigations result in charges or summons.

Northumbria Police also highlights that burglars generally avoid properties where they are more likely to be seen by neighbours or passers-by. Criminals prefer locations where high hedges, poor lighting or obvious signs of an empty home provide cover.

That makes trusted neighbours another valuable layer of protection rather than simply friendly faces next door.

Modern technology works best alongside good neighbours.

Smart home devices have transformed the way people protect their properties.

Video doorbells, CCTV systems, smart alarms and motion activated lighting all allow homeowners to monitor their homes remotely. Many systems send instant alerts if movement is detected, while two way audio allows users to speak to visitors from anywhere in the world.

However, technology still has limitations.

If a smart camera sends an alert while you are relaxing on a beach in Spain, having a trusted neighbour nearby who can safely check whether something is genuinely wrong can make all the difference.

Rather than replacing neighbours, smart security often works best alongside them.

Simple things neighbours can help with.

If someone you trust agrees to keep an eye on your home, ask them to carry out only straightforward tasks.

Collecting post, moving bins after collection day, removing unexpected parcels and checking for storm damage are all sensible requests. If they have access to your home, provide clear emergency contact details and explain exactly what they should do if an alarm activates.

Keeping communication simple avoids confusion and ensures everyone knows what is expected.

A little trust can go a long way.

For homeowners across Newcastle and the wider North East, telling a trusted neighbour about your holiday remains one of the easiest and most effective security measures available.

Combined with locked doors, timer controlled lighting, smart security devices and sensible social media habits, having someone nearby who can notice unusual activity provides reassurance that technology alone cannot always deliver.

Choosing the right person is the key. A trusted neighbour may never need to act, but if something unexpected happens while you are away, knowing someone local is keeping an eye on your home could make your holiday considerably more relaxing.

Share your thoughtsl

Do you trust your neighbour with a spare key or simply ask them to keep an eye on your home?