Your home is most vulnerable to burglary when it’s unoccupied, particularly when it’s vacant for an extended period of time. Many people make basic mistakes when they’re going out, such as leaving valuables on display near doors and windows or forgetting to leave a few lights on when it’s dark.

Tips to keep your home secure while you’re out

Below are some tips to keep your home secure when you’re popping out for a short time –

• Make sure you set your burglar alarm
• Make sure all doors and windows are closed and locked
• Make sure any side entrances to your home are locked
• Don’t leave keys or valuables near doors or windows
• If it’s dark, close your curtains and leave a few lights on
• Make sure your shed or garage is locked if you have one

Securing your home when you’re property is unoccupied for extended periods

Below are some tips to keep your home secure if you’re going on holiday for a few weeks or more –

• Consider hiring a housesitter – Housesitters can be expensive but hiring one is one of the very best ways to keep your house secure while you’re away. There are some excellent websites where you can find housesitters that have been vetted and known to be trustworthy.
• Invest in automated switches – Automated swtiches that turn lights and other electronics on and off randomly can be excellent way to make your house seem lived in.
• Stop your mail – Nothing screams that your house is unoccupied more than a pile of letters on the front porch. 
• Don’t mention you’re going on holiday on social media – This is a huge mistake that a lot of people make nowadays. Remember when you’re posting on Twitter and Facebook that you’re going on holiday, you’re not just talking to your friends/family but also advertising this fact to opportunist burglars who purposely seek out such posts.
• Ask a neighbour to check on your house periodically – If you’re friendly with a neighbour then you can ask them to check in on your house periodically.

Remember

• Houses with visible alarms are much less likely to be targeted by burglars
• Obvious signs that your house is unoccupied will certainly attract burglars
• Leaving some lights on will go a long way to making your house more secure