10 tips to secure your home while on holiday

Heading off on holiday? Everyone needs a bit of rest and relaxation, and some time away from the stresses of day-to-day life. In the days before going away on holiday your mind is probably occupied with packing for your trip, getting to your destination, and of course, the weather forecast. But you should also consider what you can do to help keep your home secure while you’re away.

Depending on the length of your holiday your property is going to be left unoccupied for a period of time. This puts your home at greater risk of being burgled; an empty property is more appealing to potential thieves than an occupied one, for obvious reasons. There are plenty of things you can do to help improve the security of your home while you’re on holiday.

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1. Make your house look occupied

You may be physically away from your home, but you shouldn’t advertise this. There are some simple ways to make it look as if someone is at home, including:

2. Enlist the help of neighbours

When you’re away on holiday your neighbours can be a great help. If you have a good relationship with them, ask them if they don’t mind keeping an eye on your home and stepping in with one or two simple tasks. For example, if you’re using your car while you’re away and the neighbours have more than once vehicle, invite them to use your driveway, or park their car outside your house. If you feel comfortable enough to give them a set of your keys, they can also keep the letterbox free of mail. Leaflets, mail and papers poking out through the letterbox for days on end is another tell-tale sign that the occupants of the house are absent.

If you get milk, groceries or other items delivered to your house, make sure you cancel them or redirect them while you’re away. Alternatively, a neighbour or family member may be able to regularly collect these for you. Neighbours can also help by putting your household bins out ready for collection day.

If you’re away for a week or two, your bins will need collecting – putting them out a week in advance is a signal that you’re away for a length of time. If a neighbour can put yours out on the morning of collection and return them once they’ve been emptied, that helps give the impression it’s “business as usual” at your home.

3. Stay quiet on social media while on holiday

In this era of social media, one of the first things you might feel like doing when you arrive at your holiday destination is to take some photos, and upload them to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. Who doesn’t love a holiday selfie, a snap of you reclining on a sunbed with a glittering skyline as the backdrop? It might seem harmless, but be cautious, as you’re essentially advertising the fact that you’re away from home.

Think carefully about the potential of a post, on the first day of a holiday, celebrating the start of a two-week trip to a long-haul destination – which clearly announces your property will be empty for a long period of time. Once you have released a post like that, you don’t have much control over who else sees it and how it’s shared; you’re disclosing personal information. It could easily come to the attention of someone who could identify where you live, and take advantage of that.

If you do wish to share holiday images, a safer way to do it is to wait until you’re back at home. You could also create a private group in a message service like WhatsApp, reserved for family and close friends only, if you really do feel the need to share pictures and updates regularly while you’re away.

4. Check, check and check again

Give yourself plenty of time before you leave your property to run through some checks. These are basic tips, but it’s easy to neglect something that might prove costly later. Check all doors and windows are not just closed but locked, too. It’s easy to think a back door is locked, forgetting that last quick peek into the back garden, or overlook the window in the downstairs toilet that’s left slightly ajar. Make sure any outbuildings, like a shed or garage, are secure too. You may not think an unlocked shed door makes any difference, but if that shed is housing a ladder and tools, you’re giving potential thieves a helping hand to access vulnerable areas of your property.

Make sure any valuables are kept out of view – don’t leave an iPad on a windowsill, or a games console in plain sight in a room; it can look like an open invitation for intruders. It’s also important that you keep your home safe in other ways, too, and not just from possible burglary. Switch off and unplug appliances that don’t need to be left on – including kettles, microwaves and toasters – to reduce fire risk. It’s also good to save energy.

5. Hide valuables or bring them with you

Hide your valuables in places that are not obvious. Don’t leave them in drawers, closets, or under the bed, as these are the first spots burglars check. Instead, hide your items in everyday objects. For example, you can tuck small items inside an empty cereal box, a lotion bottle, or a quiet corner in the laundry room. If you have a safe, hide it or bolt it down so it cannot be easily taken. You can also spread your valuables in different locations, so they are harder to find. You might also take them with you or ask a trusted friend to keep them safe while you are away.

6. Get a home security system

Investing in a home security system can help protect your home when you are away. A good alarm system alerts you if it senses unusual activity, which can scare off intruders. Many modern alarm systems work with your smartphone, so you can check your home from anywhere. For example, a Ring doorbell shows you who is at your door and sends alerts when someone approaches. Using these devices together gives you extra peace of mind while you are on holiday.

7. Unplug unnecessary appliances

Before you go on holiday, unplug appliances that are not needed. Devices like TVs, computers, microwaves, and coffee makers still use power even when they are off. Unplugging them saves energy and can help prevent electrical fires. However, do not unplug your fridge or freezer. They must stay on to keep your food safe and avoid leaks.

8. Secure your doors

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2023, 73% of intruders entered through the door. A strong, well-secured door is one of the best defences against break-ins. To improve security, choose doors made of solid wood or metal instead of hollow materials, which are easier to break. Install a high-quality deadbolt lock that meets PAS 24 British Security standards and has Secured by Design accreditation.

If your door has glass panels, you could also reinforce them with a security film. Lastly, check that the door frame and hinges are sturdy, because weak spots can let an intruder force their way in.

9. Turn the water off

When you’re on holiday, turning off the water at home is a smart precaution. A small leak or burst pipe can quickly turn into a costly disaster if left unchecked while you're away. Even a slow drip can lead to water damage, mould growth, and expensive repairs over time. By shutting off the water supply, you protect your home and belongings from unexpected flooding and water waste.

Burst pipes and water leaks are often covered by your buildings insurance, but it’s best to double-check before you go away as well.

10. Review your home insurance

Before you go on holiday, it’s worth reviewing and checking your home insurance to ensure you’re covered while away. Some policies have terms and conditions that detail the amount of time your property is left unattended. A week away in Spain is unlikely to make any difference, but if you’re heading off on a month-long excursion around Europe, you might find it does.

Ultimately, making sure your home is secure should be part of your pre-holiday preparation. Ensure you get everything organised and you can head off on holiday with peace of mind, able to focus on just one thing – enjoying your time away.