Jolly Holiday: Safe as houses
How can you beat the burglars during your summer holiday?
Allison Thompson, managing director at property specialist Leaders, has put together the following five top tips for those who are preparing to enjoy a break this summer and would like to deter potential thieves.
1) Avoid publicising your holiday on Facebook
The quickest way to alert burglars to your impending departure is to announce on Facebook or other social media platforms that you are going away. It is important to remember your posts can be seen by more people than just your friends and you can never be sure of intentions of people you do not know.
2) Make use of timer gadgets
There is a good range of timer lamps, security lights and radios that can be set to activate at certain points throughout the day and night, helping to give the impression that somebody is at home. Investing in these before you depart can go some way towards encouraging burglars to leave your home alone.
3) Offer the use of your driveway
If you are taking your car to the airport or using it to travel within the UK, why not ask a friend or relative to use your driveway while you are away? It will give the impression that your house is still being lived in.
4) Cancel milk, newspaper and online shopping deliveries
One of the clearest signs you are on holiday is bottles of milk piled up on your doorstep or a stack of newspapers in the letterbox. So make sure you cancel any deliveries before you go away.
5) Secure outdoor valuables
Many people leave expensive items in their gardens or in unsecured sheds or garages. Thieves will not turn down the chance to swipe a bike, barbecue or lawnmower if it is on show, so make sure these items are adequately secured.
