Security Expert Warns Against Sharing Travel Plans On Social Media
Six ways to protect your home while you’re away this spring.
Image Photo by Brian Babb on Unsplash
With the Easter period on the horizon, many Brits will be looking to get away and enjoy the spring weather. But how can they keep their homes secure while they’re away?
Google search data highlights this rising concern, with UK searches for ‘home security’ surging by 20% over the course of the past month.
To help Brits keep their homes safe over the coming months, Rhoddy MacKinnon, Group Construction Director at David Wilson Homes has shared six expert security tips, from installing smart tech to avoiding posting about your holiday on social media.
David Wilson Homes also surveyed 500 British homeowners to find out the steps they are taking to secure their homes:
Key Findings
- One in five (20%) Brits have had a security incident while being away from home.
- Window locks (50%) ranked as the most common security measure, while video doorbells (37%) and motion activated lights (32%) are also popular options.
- 10% of Brits said that they don’t have any additional security features in their homes.
- 57% of Brits said they feel concerned about leaving their homes when they go on holiday.
How to prepare your home for going away
Below, Rhoddy shares his top tips to try and keep your home as secure as possible while away from home:
Keep entrances well-lit
“When away from home, thieves may be encouraged if your entrances are dark and hidden from view. Purchasing and installing motion-sensor exterior lighting can act as a deterrent, as movement will trigger lighting that exposes anyone trying to get into your home, which may put off potential thieves.”
Secure garages and sheds
“If you have a shed or a garage, make sure to pay as much attention to securing these spaces as you do the rest of your home. We often store valuable items such as power tools, bikes and sports equipment in these areas, which are very attractive to thieves and may be overlooked when thinking about security. To add an extra layer of protection, lock bikes and tools up within your garage or shed.”
Install and check smart security tech
“Installing smart doorbells and cameras with app support is a great way to keep your home safe while you’re away. Before travelling, make sure you check the batteries in your smart devices, as they can drain over time. To help you stay on top of this, set a monthly reminder to check the battery status of your devices, alongside testing your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, which should also be tested monthly.”
Make your home look occupied
“Using timers or smart plugs to periodically turn lights on while you are away in the evening can put off potential thieves who may be watching your home. Focus on lamps in hallways, living rooms and bedrooms, and plan your timers around when you would usually have lights on, as it may look suspicious if they are left on all night.”
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Additional steps for home security
Alongside securing your home, there are other steps you can take to lower the threat of burglary as Rhoddy shares:
Don’t advertise you are away on public social media accounts
“Increasingly, burglars are turning to social media posts to identify when people are on holiday, as it signals that a property will be empty. Any posts revealing you are away or including booking information that shows when you’ll be out, should be shared only on private accounts so that only friends and family can see them. This is especially important if you are travelling abroad, as thieves will know you’re out of the country.”
Avoid pile-up of parcels and mail
“If you’re away, a build-up of post and parcels can be a clear sign to thieves that a property is empty. If you’re planning to be away for more than a few days, ask a neighbour to check in every day or so and take in any parcels or post to avoid a visible pile-up at the door.”
If you would like to explore more of David Wilson Homes’ expert advice, visit their advice and inspiration page.
• This article was provided by David Wilson Homes.
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