5 Expert Tips to Secure Your Home Before Going on Holiday

Going on holiday should be a time for relaxation and enjoyment, not for worrying about the security of your home. Recent crime statistics have shown that break-ins rise by 48% during the months of July to September when burglars target properties that appear unoccupied. To help you holiday-proof your home and garden, Helen Godsiff, brand manager at home improvement specialist Eurocell, provides essential tips for keeping your property safe while you’re away.

1. Reinforce Your Fencing

One of the foremost measures to secure your garden is ensuring your fence is in impeccable condition. Worn or damaged fences can become weak points, offering easy access to your property. While traditional timber fences may rot or crack over time, especially after harsh weather, composite fencing provides a more durable alternative. Resistant to rotting, cracking, and weather damage, composite fences offer the strength and resilience needed to deter intruders.

Looking for a strong and weather-resistant fence? Consider Eurocell Composite Fencing for a long-lasting, low-maintenance solution to improve garden security and peace of mind.

2. Create Clear Sightlines

Overgrown gardens and cluttered spaces give intruders the perfect places to hide. Keep your outdoor areas open and well-maintained by trimming hedges, mowing lawns, and removing debris. Opt for defined areas like decking, which not only improve property aesthetics but also eliminate potential hiding spots.

A clean and organized garden makes it easier to spot disturbances, such as footprints or moved items, upon your return.

3. Secure Every Entry Point

Before heading out, check all doors and windows to ensure they are properly locked and secure. Ground-floor windows, sliding doors, and older timber frames can be particularly vulnerable. Inspect these areas for any signs of wear or misalignment, as these could compromise the effectiveness of your locks.

Replace any outdated frames or faulty mechanisms now to save yourself from greater losses in the future. Investing in modern locks and reinforced frames is a simple yet effective way to bolster home security.

4. Make Your Home Look Occupied

A home that looks empty is a prime target for burglars. Simple strategies—such as setting indoor and outdoor lights on timers—can create the illusion that someone is home. Use solar-powered garden lights to illuminate dark areas without adding to your electricity bill.

Additionally, a timer plug for TVs and radios can simulate activity inside the house. Keep your property neat by tucking away bins, trimming grass, and tidying visible spaces. For longer absences, consider asking a trusted neighbor to collect your post or put out bins on collection day to maintain the appearance of a lived-in home.

5. Don’t Forget the Backyard

Side gates, low walls, and rear entry points are often overlooked in home security planning but are popular targets for break-ins. Ensure that every garden gate has a strong lock or latch that cannot be easily tampered with. Add height to fences with trellis panels, which not only deter climbing but also serve as a decorative base for climbing plants.

Secure outdoor furniture, sheds, and storage boxes with ground anchors or heavy-duty locks. Store away ladders and tools that could be used by burglars to gain entry.

Plan Ahead for Peace of Mind

“The summer holidays are a time to relax, but it’s just as important to feel confident that your home is secure while you’re away,” shares Helen Godsiff from Eurocell. “A little forward planning—such as securing windows and gates, clearing clutter, and maintaining a lived-in appearance—can go a long way in protecting your home and ensuring your peace of mind.”