How to Secure Your Home Before Going on Holiday

Protect your home while traveling with security tips from Morayfield Locksmiths. Learn professional techniques for securing doors, windows, and creating the appearance of occupancy in Moreton Bay homes.

Leaving your home vacant during holidays creates opportunities for burglars who specifically target unoccupied properties. Professional security preparation significantly reduces your risk.

1. Inspect and Upgrade All Entry Points

Walk around your property examining every door and window as a potential burglar would. Test all locks to ensure they engage properly, and replace any that stick or feel loose. Sliding doors should have secondary security bars or pins preventing them from being lifted off their tracks. Ground-floor windows need functional locks, not just latches that provide minimal resistance. At Morayfield Locksmiths, we frequently discover that homeowners have one or two excellent locks but neglect side doors or garage entries that provide easy access to the entire home.

2. Install Timer-Controlled Lighting

Burglars typically conduct surveillance to confirm properties are vacant before entering. Lights that turn on and off at realistic times suggest occupancy, significantly deterring break-ins. Use multiple timers throughout your home, not just one lamp in the living room. Vary the times slightly each day if your timers have random features. Include outdoor lighting, particularly near entry points, as burglars prefer working in darkness. Smart lighting systems connected to your smartphone allow you to control lights remotely, creating authentic patterns and responding if neighbors report suspicious activity.

3. Arrange Mail and Package Management

Accumulated mail and packages clearly signal an empty home. Have Australia Post hold your mail at the post office, or arrange for a trusted neighbor or friend to collect it daily. If you regularly receive packages, temporarily redirect deliveries to your workplace or suspend subscriptions until you return. Uncollected newspapers are equally revealing, so pause newspaper delivery before leaving. Some package thieves specifically follow delivery trucks, making package management essential even for short trips.

4. Secure Valuables and Create an Inventory

Move jewelry, electronics, important documents, and other valuables to a secure safe or safety deposit box. If burglars do enter, you want to minimize potential losses. Photograph or video record your valuables and note serial numbers for electronics, creating an inventory that aids police recovery and insurance claims. Store these records somewhere other than your home, such as cloud storage or a safety deposit box. Never post travel plans or photos on social media until after you return, as burglars increasingly monitor social platforms to identify targets.

5. Inform Trusted Neighbors or Organize House Sitting

Alert a trusted neighbor about your absence, providing contact information and permission to call police if they observe suspicious activity. If possible, arrange for someone to visit your property every few days, parking in your driveway and spending time inside. Their presence and the variation in your home’s appearance (curtains opened and closed, bins moved) suggest occupancy. For extended absences, professional house sitters provide the most convincing deterrent by actually living in your home.

6. Consider Professional Security System Installation

Modern security systems monitor entry points and provide instant smartphone alerts when doors or windows open. Many include video cameras allowing you to verify alerts before calling police. Professional monitoring services contact emergency services on your behalf if you cannot respond. While security systems require investment, they provide peace of mind and often reduce home insurance premiums. At Morayfield Locksmiths, we can assess your property and recommend appropriate security solutions based on your home’s specific vulnerabilities and your budget.

Professional Tip from Morayfield Locksmiths:

Many homeowners focus on front door security but neglect rear and side access points that offer more privacy for burglars. During our 30+ years of service in Moreton Bay, we have observed that most break-ins occur through these overlooked areas. Before any trip, schedule a professional security assessment. We can identify vulnerabilities you might miss and provide cost-effective solutions. Call us at 07 5495 5000, and we’ll help ensure your home remains secure while you enjoy your holiday.