Whether you’re going on a holiday or have decided to temporarily relocate to another property for a while, securing your home when you’re going to be away for an extended period of time is a top priority. From improvements to door and window hardware to tips for making your place look lived in, there are a number of different things to keep in mind.
So, here are our top 9 tips for keeping your home secure when you’re away.
1. Install proper security doors and windows
If you don’t already have proper security doors and windows, now is the perfect time to install them. Quality doors and windows from a reputable company like Lock & Roll are built with an exclusive construction technique that meets all Australian security standards, plus they offer a 10-year warranty for peace of mind. When choosing a security door and window company in Australia, always check that they are a member of the National Security Screen Association (NSSA) to ensure quality.
2. Get a professional technician to repair broken security screens
If you already have security screens on your doors and windows, but they’re looking a little worse for wear, you should take the time to get them repaired or even replaced. If your screens are still within warranty, it shouldn’t cost you much at all, but if not, just get in touch with a professional technician who will be able to provide you with a quote and advise you on the right option for you.
3. Replace your locks… and lock them!
Locks can get loose, worn and unreliable over time, so if you think your home might be due for some new ones, call in a professional to assess and replace your door and window locks. And, once you’re sure you have adequate locks in place, make sure you double-check that they are all properly locked before you leave home. It sounds obvious, but in the haste to get away on holidays, sometimes it’s the most obvious things that are overlooked!
4. Install a security system
A home security system is another great way to secure your home against burglars. There are a number of options out there, from a basic alarm system to full-blown video surveillance that can be activated by movement around your doors and windows, so you’re best off to take some time researching and deciding what level of security you need.
5. Don’t indicate publicly that you’ll be away
In the age of social media, it can be easy to make mistakes like bragging about the fact you’re going on a three-month trip around Europe, without realising that your profile is set to public! Declaring to the world that your house is going to be empty, combined with technology like geotagging, has sadly led to people being exploited. So, err on the side of caution when it comes to your posts.
6. Get sensor lights and/or a smart lighting system
Sensor lights in your front doorway or around the perimeter of your house might seem simple, but they’re a great way to spook any intruders that might be lurking about wanting to remain hidden from view of the street or neighbouring properties. Another option is installing a smart lighting system on a timer inside your home, that you can program to turn on and off at various times to make it look as though people are still living there.
7. Put valuables out of sight
Again, it might sound obvious, but if you’re going to be away for a long time don’t leave precious items like jewellery or expensive technology in clear view of windows. This will just make you a target in the unfortunate event that someone is being a bit nosey around your property.
8. Suspend newspaper deliveries
An overflowing mailbox or a stack of newspapers piling up on your driveway is a sure sign to burglars that there is no one living in the house. So, if you have regular deliveries make sure you suspend them or redirect your mail to a post office box to avoid arousing suspicion.
9. Get a trusted friend or neighbour to check on your house
If you can, getting a friend or neighbour to drop round to do things like collect the mail, water the plants and just keep an eye on the place is probably the best thing you can do for your peace of mind. Not only will they be able to provide you with any updates, but they are likely to notice any changes or red flags in the event anyone unwanted has paid you a visit.
Do you want help securing your home before going away? Lock & Roll are the experts in stylish window and door security solutions, so get in touch for a quote today.
