Keep burglars out: six ways to protect your home when you're away

The Guardian

5 hours ago

Whether it is a fortnight's holiday, a weekend away or just an evening out, if you are planning a trip during the summer months you should take steps to secure your home against burglaries.
Put valuables out of plain sight so they are not easy to find should anyone gain entry. The West Midlands police warn that many criminals will be after car keys, so if you are not driving to your destination hide the keys in a safe, secure drawer or even take them with you. Putting them into a Faraday pouch (£6 at Halfords) will help prevent relay theft, whereby criminals use electronic devices to intercept the signal from key fobs and steal vehicles. Using a steering lock will also help.
Avoid obvious signs that you are away by cancelling milk and newspaper deliveries, and don't order anything online that may end up sitting on your doorstep. Secure the catflap closed, as long as the cat is also being looked after, and take all keys out of doors.
Using timers for lights (from £5.99 at Screwfix) will give the illusion that you are there in the evening. These plug into a socket and can turn on an attached table lamp at intervals set on the device.
Motion sensor lights, usually used outside, can also deter criminals. Alex Parker-Walklate of the brokers Intelligent Insurance says they can also alert neighbours to suspicious activity.
There is the potential for other nasty surprises as well as burglary. Turning off your water when you leave the house can prevent the threat of flood and water damage. Jonathan Cracknell from the insurer Aviva says this will also prevent huge bills from gushing water or undetected leaks. But if you have a fire sprinkler system installed, the water should be left on.
Home alarm units are graded from one to four, the higher being the more secure. Grade two is appropriate for most homes, says Parker-Walklate, and will include motion detector sensors around the perimeter of the property. It is important that an alarm is accredited by the National Security Inspectorate (NSI) or the Security Systems and Alarms Inspection Board (SSAIB), he says.
You should consider whether you want a monitored system, which contacts a key-holder or the police if there is a break-in, or an unmonitored one, which just sounds an alarm.
Criminals are more likely to abandon a burglary if motion sensors integrated into the system set off lights or an alarm. 'If you do choose these security systems, it's important to ensure these sensors are properly maintained, well positioned, and – in the case of smart systems – securely connected to your home network,' Parker-Walklate says.
Front and back doors should each have a five-lever mortise deadlock or a multipoint locking system, which is the type found on modern UPVC or composite doors. These systems secure the door at a number of points and offer greater resistance against force.
Smart doorbells and wifi-connected security cameras can act as a visible deterrent to criminals and can also provide footage if there is a break-in.
When buying one, look for the best image quality, reliable night vision and a wide-angle lens. Cloud storage is also desirable so that recordings are retained. The Guardian's Filter site found the Google Nest doorbell (priced at £178 on Amazon) was the most impressive all-rounder.
If you do have a video doorbell or alarm connected to wifi, remember to keep your phone on and ensure push notifications are activated.
Never leave your keys under a flowerpot or a doormat. As well as giving a burglar easy access, it will invalidate any insurance claim that you make when you return.
'Spare keys should only be left with a friend, relative or trusted neighbour. If you need to keep a spare key nearby, consider using a secure key safe instead of hiding it,' says Cracknell.
Tell a trusted person that you are going away. Ideally they will be able to go to the property if you become aware that something has happened, says Edouard Rekko of the alarm company Verisure. 'If something suspicious happens, you'll need a neighbour or friend nearby to check in since police often require an on-the-ground report before taking action – especially if the intruders have already left,' he says.
If you are away for a long time, it is worth asking them to check in on the property. And if you have deliveries that arrive unexpectedly, ask them to pick them up from the doorstep.
Alternatively you could get a house-sitter. This could be a friend or member of your family or someone you connect with through one of the many sites that link up homeowners with sitters. The service is often free in exchange for accommodation, although some sitters can charge depending on how much work is required, such as looking after pets.
If your property is left completely unoccupied, avoid posting pictures from the beach or of you having a beer in the sun. This can be a green light for burglars to break in, knowing that you are hundreds or thousands of miles away.
An easy way around this is to simply wait and post when you return home. Or restrict the settings on your account so that only trusted friends and family can see the snaps.
The Association of British Insurers says that, in general, you should still be covered if you post on socials and there is a problem, but it is best to check with your insurer beforehand to be absolutely sure that the posts won't affect a claim.
Tidy around outside your home, putting tools away. Secure ladders so that burglars don't have easy access to high windows. Cover BBQs and garden furniture so they are not in view. Move wheelie bins away from garages or low fences to make access more difficult for burglars.
One in four homes has experienced attempts to break into sheds or outbuildings, according to Aviva. 'If a thief can't get into your house, they might try breaking into your shed or taking something from your garden instead,' says Cracknell.
Thieves mostly target garden tools and bikes outside the home. Ensure that you shed is locked; it is worth securing your bike inside, preferably with a lock rated Sold Secure Gold.
Battery-operated shed alarms cost between £20 and £30.
Most insurance policies state how long a property can be left empty for: typically it's up to four weeks or 30 days. Your insurance policy will have the exact details. It is vital that you check before taking off on a long break as you may not be covered if your home is left uninhabited for longer.
Most one- or two-week holidays don't need to be declared to your insurer but if you plan to leave for a significant period of time, then you should let the company know.
'[The insurance company] may offer an unoccupied home policy or suggest specific conditions, such as arranging for someone to check in periodically,' says Parker-Walklate.