A holiday should be the one time you're not thinking about the house — so it's worth an hour before you leave to make sure it's genuinely secure. Around 57% of burglars get in through a door, and a surprising number of those doors were simply left unlocked. A few small steps make your home a far less appealing target.
Lock up properly — doors and windows
Check every external door locks fully and throws its bolts, not just the latch. Don't forget side gates and the back door, which are quieter targets on terraced and semi-detached homes. Every window that opens — however small — should be lockable. If a lock is worn, sticky or missing, sort it before you go: our team can fit new door and window locks, and repair uPVC doors and windows that no longer lock cleanly.
Make it look lived-in
- Ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains and move a car onto the drive.
- Put a lamp, radio or TV on a plug-in timer so lights come on in the evening.
- Cancel milk and paper deliveries, and ask someone to clear post from the mat.
Protect what matters most
Burglars typically head for the master bedroom first, so don't keep everything there. Passports, jewellery and heirlooms are far safer in a properly fitted home safe — we can supply and install one, and engrave valuables so they're harder to sell on and easier to recover.
Careful on social media
It's tempting to post the airport selfie, but "two weeks in Spain" tells more people than you think that your home is empty. Save the holiday photos for when you're back.
Heading away soon and want a quick security once-over? As local, independent locksmiths across Southampton and the Solent, we're happy to advise — get in touch or visit our Hedge End or Park Gate store.