When its time to go on holiday I’m sure you will all make sure you have your passport, money and clothes packed well in advance. But how many of you actually give some thought to how secure your possessions are or how secure your home is while you are away. Perhaps this year you should. Consider reading the pages on “Home Security” before you go.
Here are some practical things to do beforehand to help keep your home secure while on holiday, knowing that you can return home finding it intact.
PLAN AHEAD
Outside your home.
- Speak to neighbours you can trust, or relatives to help look after you home while away. Remember, when handing in your keys to a neighbour do not attach a label to them with your address on it. If they are lost or accidentally left somewhere then someone may have the opportunity to enter your home without having to force their way in.
- Give your neighbour or other trusted person details such as holiday address or telephone number; your car make, colour and registration number.
- Only tell those you can trust that you plan to be away and the house will be empty.
- If your neighbours have a second car ask them to put it on your drive to give the impression there is someone home. They should put out and take in the waste bucket. This is something your neighbours can do anyway, whether you are on holiday or not. A bucket left out on the street during the day is a good indication that there is no one at home.
- Ensure that your garage and shed is secure with decent padlocks, and that all tools and gardening equipment are locked away.
- If you do have a ladder outside secure it with a good chain to something solid.
Inside your home.
- Do not leave small valuable items within the house. Remove them and either place them in a safe deposit box, ask a relative to look after them, or consider having a small floor safe fitted.
- Cancel deliveries of milk, papers, etc.
- Mark as many items as you can using your post code. See Property marking pages.
- Ask a neighbour to collect any mail from behind the door. Piles of mail left behind a door can be avoided by asking the Royal Mail to hold onto your post while you are away, for up to 2 months. Contact them and ask about their Keepsafe scheme
- Your neighbour can still check the house and close curtains in the evening, put lights on in the house or consider purchasing a timer for your lights.
- Do not leave items such as videos, Hi-Fi equipment, computers, etc where it can be seen from a window. Videos especially give off just enough glow from the display lights that can be seen outside in the dark if your curtains are open and the house lights are off.
- Check all external door and windows.
- Don’t forget the kids ! ! !
Before actually leaving, STOP for a minute at the door step and check that you’ve done all you should (and that you have packed the kids! ! !)
While on holiday.
- Keep a note book separate from your other items and record in it things like your Passport Number, your Travellers cheque numbers, flight times, ticket details, important telephone numbers (such as bank, consulate, airport, hotel.)
- Do not put your address on the outside of your luggage for all to see. Place address labels on the inside.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash when on holiday.
- Give consideration to your holiday destination and the types of currency they use. Use travellers cheques where possible or credit cards. Keep ALL receipts and check them against your account statement when you return home.
- It always worth keeping your receipts as some countries allow you to claim back tax on certain items.
- On the homeward journey . . . Don’t forget the kids! ! ! !
Don’t forget that you may have to go through customs on your return. If articles are found in your luggage which are prohibited then you are held responsible. Ensure that you pack your case and that it is secured with a suitable lock. Unless your case is placed in a secure locker or similar, do not let your case out of your sight or give it to someone else to look after. Transporting illegal items carries heavy sentences in court.
Don’t bring articles or gifts back into the country on behalf of others, especially if you have only just met them while abroad.
Remember your pets also need looking after. Don’t leave them in the house. Have someone take care of them for you.
Try to forget where you left the kids, and enjoy the peace and quiet! ! !
“Don’t upset the locals !”
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