How do you keep burglars away from your home during the holidays?

7 years ago

last modified: 7 years ago

Holiday season is upon us, for some, it might already be over and for others, you're about to start!

So we want to know, how do you keep unwanted visitors away from your home when you're away? What works best for your peace of mind?

Vote and share your experiences in the comments below.

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I use an alarm system

I leave the lights on

I ask family/friends to check on the house for me

I make sure the letter box is empty

I close the curtains/blinds

I'm not too bothered, I leave the keys under the doormat or around the house

Other - let us know below

Featured Answer

PRO

Oasys Property Solutions

7 years ago

Emmeline, before I disclose such information, I wish to know whether you have any previous convictions for burglary!

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Comments (7)

Ocean Clarke
7 years ago
It depends which home I'm staying in. For my parents, who live in the country, there has never been any security issues. But living in London, I would take as many precautions as possible!
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alant1000
7 years ago
Well one tip I wouldn't recommend is thinking that having a car on the drive is going to discourage burglars - they'll probably break in to nick the keys for the car.

I was woken by burglars who had come in my house a few months ago in the middle of the night and they were in my Mercedes on the driveway with the engine running - they just couldn't work out how to release the parking break! I RAN outside (stupid idea) and confronted them and they abandoned the car and ran.

The experience was the first time ever I have not felt comfortable in my own house, and the next day I put it on the market and moved area.

I did lots of reading on the topic afterwards and it seems like lights on and TV on are still the best deterrents - burglars don't want to meet with the owner during the burglary.
allanp1
7 years ago
Leaving lights on can work, but it becomes obvious if your home is watched especially when there is lack of movement or sounds coming from the property. Would be burglars have ears as well as sight. What can be a visible deterrent like cameras or iron work over Windows can also be an attraction. It's always a fingers crossed situation. There is an old saying, locks and deterrents are there only to keep honest people honest !
PRO
Ensoul Ltd
7 years ago
We work with clients a lot on this topic, a few of the key deterrents to be thought about in advance of going away include:

- Installation of IP enabled security cameras at key breach points (front, side, rear). You can view these on your Smart Device from your holiday home (live and recorded) to give peace of mind and a record of activity if required

- Check that you have solid doors and frames (with hinge bolts ideally) with high quality locks approved by your insurance company

- External floodlights with PiR and dusk to dawn sensors (be careful about the selection to ensure you are generating light pollution). A strong light coming on in the middle of the night will often move people on that shouldn't be there

Hope this helps, Mike Lander, Director, Ensoul
angelboyman
7 years ago
We leave a car in the driveway, shut the curtains slightly, put several lights on timers, turn on the burglar alarm, let the neighbours know to keep an eye on the house and ask my Dad to drop by every other day for the post. There's been times where I've left the garage door open all night or the boot of the car, even leaving back doors wide open whilst I've gone out for the day - country living sometimes covers up your forgetfulness!
PRO
LocksOnline
7 years ago
Things like household rubbish can be a giveaway too - if you've got rubbish to go out but won't be around on collection day, don't put it out early, either store it until the next collection or take it to your local refuse site if they accept general household waste.

Lights on timers as previously mentioned can be handy, along with a friendly neighbour collecting up post, watering the house plants and opening and closing curtains at appropriate times.

How do you keep burglars away from your home during the holidays?

Oasys Property Solutions

Comments (7)

Ocean Clarke

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alant1000

allanp1

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