Planning a summer break this holiday and heading to the beach, the mountains or overseas?
Empty houses are an easy target for burglars so it pays to be a little more cautious to ensure the security of your home and save you unnecessary stress while you’re away. Stop unwelcome visitors in their tracks and keep your home safe this holiday with these handy tips.
1. Be careful who you tell
If you’re planning to be away these holidays, it’s a good idea to let someone know about your travel plans, like a trustworthy neighbour or a close family friend. Someone to keep an eye on your home and report any suspicious activity, clear your letterbox each day, keep the grass mowed, or turn a light on in the evenings to make it look like someone is home.
While it’s tempting to share your plans on Facebook and post where you’re going and when you’ll be back, it’s all too easy for that type of information to fall into the wrong hands. Take a digital detox while you’re on holiday and post those fun holiday snaps when you’re back instead.
2. Check the locks and windows
It may seem obvious but keeping your home safe starts with a few basic fundamentals. Check that all doors and windows are securely locked – leaving windows open can be enticing for would-be burglars.
If you have a spare key that you hide outside your home in case of emergencies, give it to your neighbour to hold onto you until you’re back. Experienced burglars are adept at finding spare keys and know most of the common hiding places, no matter how clever you think you’ve been!
Consider installing a smart lock with a keypad accessed by a pin code – you can control who has access and even receive an alert when someone unlocks the door.
3. Lights and cameras
Set your lights to turn off and on at certain times during the day and night. Simple timer switches connected to table lamps are an economical alternative that make your home appear occupied. Outdoor lights that are motion activated help illuminate areas that are dark making it more difficult for intruders to approach your home.
A monitored home security system is still one of the best ways to protect your home, where a tripped alarm alerts a security company who can contact the police or check your home. A less costly option is a do-it-yourself set-up with a wi-fi security camera that lets you see a live view of your house from anywhere using an app on your phone.
Protect the things you love
Regardless of where you’re heading off to these holidays, a few simple steps can help keep your home safe so you relax and enjoy your time away without the worry of what you’ll come home to.
Remember to check your insurance policies before you go on holiday to ensure you’re covered in case of any eventuality. If you’d like to review your financial situation before you leave and talk about protecting the things you love – your home, contents, vehicle and family – contact a Mortgage Express broker today.
Disclaimer:
While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken by Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) for any errors or omissions. This publication does not constitute personalised financial advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any investment in or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication. A Disclosure Statement is available on request and free of charge.
Finservice Pty Ltd (Mortgage Express) is authorised as a corporate credit representative (Corporate Credit Representative Number 397386) to engage in credit activities on behalf of BLSSA Pty Ltd (Australian Credit Licence number 391237) ACN 123 600 000 | Full member of MFAA | Member of Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFC
