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How to keep your home safe while on holiday

An ex burglar and ex police chief let us into the biggest dos and don’ts for home security while you’re on holiday.

a house at night in the dark surrounded by trees with lights on inside

Image: Google

With the Office for National Statistics recently reporting that in the last year there has been no significant change in the overall level of crime (in contrast to the past few decades where we have seen it fall), and the average total amount lost in burglaries being well over £3,000, now is a good a time as ever to consider if you’re home is as secure as it could be.

With the help of the Google team, we’ve got the 10 top tips to help make your home less appealing to criminals ahead of the summer with home security experts Ex-Police Chief Colin Port and Ex-Burglar Michael Fraser.

Don’t

  • Leave valuables on show through your windows
  • Advertise you have pets in the house – it’s a sign you don’t have an alarm
  • Leave tools outside your home that could be used to break in
  • Leave calendars or notes that show when you’re away near windows
  • Let your hedges become overgrown and obscure entrances

Do

  • Make your front door visibly look as secure as possible
  • Invest in visible home security, such as an alarm or camera, to deter thieves
  • Install a letterbox cage so burglars can’t reach through and ‘fish’ for keys
  • Get to know your neighbours – they can be a second pair of safety eyes for you
  • Use your security equipment, if you have them installed make the most of them

 

Have you any top tips for home security? Share them with us by tweeting us @goodhomesmag or posting a comment on our Facebook page.

 

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