It’s that time of year again, planning your family vacation! We’re already planning a much needed and well-deserved family vacation. You’ve probably got it all planned out; the location, how you’ll travel, the cost, right down to which pair of sunglasses you’ll wear with that outfit. But before you rush to pack that suitcase, have you given a thought to what you’re leaving behind?
Studies have shown that most home theft occurs when the homeowner is out of the property for a considerable amount of time. So, with that in mind, we’ve gathered the simplest but most effective ways of keeping your property safe whilst you’re away enjoying yourself.
Things to do After Planning Your Family Vacation
Good Signage
By good signage, we mean things that warn any prospective thief that attempting to access your property isn’t a good idea. From CCTV warning signs to neighborhood watch signs or even Beware of the Dog plaques. Check out myparkingsign for the latest in security signs and a little inspiration after planning your family vacation.
Check your doors and windows
Sure, we all rush around to make sure the windows and doors are locked before we leave. But do your windows and doors lock properly and securely? What’s to stop a persistent thief from simply giving your dodgy front door a sharp kick, or pick its lock easily using plain tools? Check each door and window in the weeks leading up to your family vacation. If you think some of the locks could be improved then speak to your local locksmith and see what they can recommend. It’s better to be safe than sorry! Learn how to pick a lock to ensure the proper safety.
Hide your goods
That gorgeous new laptop, the kids iPads, your new TV…if you’re spending some time away from your home then you need to ensure that all your electrical and valuable goods are hidden out of sight. Leaving them in plain view on the dining room table, for example, could be all the motivation an opportunist thief needs. Hide your most valuable items in cupboards or just away from the ground level. Leave your blinds closed too!
Don’t advertise your absence
We live in a world where social media is king. And we like to share our lives with our closest friends and let everyone know what we’re up to. But you need to be wary when sharing information online about your home being vacant. From photographs of your local area and photographs taken around your home, it might not take a genius to figure out which home is yours and when it will be empty. So, be wary and sensible when it comes to posting information.
Speak to your neighbors
If you’re on speaking terms with your neighbors then great. Let them know that you’re going to be going away for a few days and that your home will be empty. Make them aware if anyone is visiting the property like a family member or a window cleaner so they know if they should be suspicious of anyone who might be hanging around. Give them a contact number so they can get in touch with you if there is a problem.
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