The holidays are here, and while some people are thinking about packing their bags, others are scheming to cash in. That's why, before you set off on your trip, it's a good idea to take a few steps to make it as difficult as possible for thieves and avoid unpleasant surprises on your return. But how can you protect your home from burglars? Here are some recommendations from the experts at Habitissimo.
Be careful with windows and garage doors
Nobody forgets to lock their front door before leaving for holiday. You may even have taken the precaution of fitting a good security door to make it difficult for burglars to break in. But picking the front door locks is not always thieves' preferred method of entry.
Windows, especially if they are on the ground floor or easily accessible (e.g. from a flat roof), are weak points that are not always treated with the importance they deserve. Lowering blinds can be effective but can also give away that we are not home. If you don't have window bars, locks or sensors that emit a loud noise when the window is opened are ideal.
What about garage doors? In single-family homes, they are also an easy target for burglars to gain access to the house. If your garage connects to your home, a good lock is essential on the garage access door and the door leading into the home.
Video surveillance systems
Easy-to-install internet protocol (IP) camera systems are now readily available. They allow us to view our homes from any mobile device and alert us when there's an intruder.
Moreover, the mere presence of a surveillance camera is an extremely effective deterrent. It persuades burglars to look for an easier target when they realise they might get caught on camera.
Don't give away that you're not at home
One of the best ways to protect your home from burglars is to make it look like you haven't left. You can take several precautions in this regard:
- Leave the blinds slightly up.
- Program a light in the house to turn on at certain times. Solar lamps are an alternative to timers for outdoor spaces, which charge during the day and switch on automatically when night falls.
- Check the locks. If you don't know how much a locksmith costs for this type of work, it is always a good idea to find out and consider this option.
- For single-family homes, in addition to programming outdoor lights or solar lamps, you are better off leaving any furniture or plants in the front yard or in plain view.
- Leave the key with someone you trust. It is not just a question of them collecting the post but also opening the front door now and then and adjusting the blinds.
And, of course, as much as we are happy to go on holiday, it is best not to brag about it before we leave. Forget about social media and enjoy yourself. It's best to post photos and comments when you get back. You shouldn't talk about when you're leaving in the park or supermarket either as you never know who might be listening.
Storing your valuable objects
Sometimes, no matter how hard we try to protect the house from burglars, they still manage to get in. If we can't stop them, we can at least stop them from taking our valuables. The best thing to do is not to leave anything valuable in plain sight. Keep them in a safe; there are many easy-to-install built-in models on the market.
These tips on protecting your home from burglars can help you avoid any nasty surprises. Putting them into practice doesn't take much time and often doesn't cost much either. Now you can leave for your holiday with a little more peace of mind.