HOLIDAY HINTS - DO'S & DONT'S

Some people have already been on holiday and some are looking forward to going away - some do’s and don’ts to keep your house safe this summer

Going on holiday

• Don’t become a target for a break in

Social media posts of your holiday can give thieves all the information they need to know that you are away from home. Either wait until you are home to post those photos or change your settings to private.

• Adopt the ‘buddy’ system

 Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your house, pick up any post or packages and even water the plants outside. You can then reciprocate when it is their time to go on holiday.

•  Light timers and smart lighting you can operate from an app

 Even though it is summer, invest in inexpensive timers which you can use with your indoor lights to come on for part of the hours of darkness. Cheap, simple and effective. Smart lighting both inside and outside, a more expensive addition, but an extra layer of security, can act as effective deterrents.

• Turn off your hot water/heating

 Unless it is a winter holiday and you need to keep the house and your pipework from freezing up, turn off/turn down your hot water and central heating. Saves money and reduces the likelihood of any water leaks or worse, while you are away.

Staycation advice

Whether you are staying at home while taking time off work or making the most of the sunny weather at weekends, here are a few tips to keep your property safe.

• Windows and doors

Tempting though it maybe when it is hot to open all of your windows and doors to keep the house cool, they are also a magnet for thieves, particularly at night. Better to be uncomfortable than robbed, so keep your downstairs windows closed at night.

• Keep it locked

 Spending time in the garden means that you might not hear signs of break in. Make sure access doors are kept locked.

•  Remove temptation

Many break ins are opportunist rather than part of some grand plan. Leaving valuables in plain sight near open windows, even cat flaps and letterboxes increase the likelihood of opportunist crime. It only takes a second to reach in and steal.

• Burglar alarm

Not exactly original but highly effective as a deterrent, particularly against the opportunist thief. Seeing a large coloured alarm box on a property will deter the majority of would be thieves. Even a decoy alarm box has the power to deter. 

• Neighbourhood Watch

Your neighbours are your best defence. The neighbourhood watch scheme has been a resounding success and if there isn’t one in your road, set one up. Not only will you get plenty of support from the police but neighbours working for the good of the street or road in which you all live can cut the incidence of crime in your area.

Two points to consider. While the main consideration as an adviser is to see that your clients are insured, make sure that it is to the right level, so when they are away they are properly covered if something should happen! Also consider the value of a home emergency ‘add on’ so that clients have a service they can call on in the event of a break in when boarding up or glass replacement is called for.