Whether you’re heading off for a long weekend or a two-week holiday abroad, taking a few minutes to prepare your home could significantly reduce the risk of burglary.
Many burglars look for properties that appear empty, poorly secured or easy to access. Fortunately, there are plenty of simple steps you can take to make your home look occupied and far less appealing to opportunistic criminals.
Use this checklist before you leave to help keep your property safe while you’re away.
1. Lock Every Door and Window
Before you leave, double-check that every external door and accessible window is locked properly.
Don’t forget to check:
- Front and back doors
- Patio and French doors
- Ground-floor windows
- Garage doors
- Conservatory doors
- Loft windows if easily accessible
Even a small open window can provide an easy opportunity for a burglar.
2. Set Indoor Lights on Timers
Leaving one light on continuously can actually advertise that nobody is home.
Instead, use timer plugs or smart lighting to switch lights on and off during the evening so your home appears occupied.
Avoid posting:
- Airport selfies
- Flight details
- Hotel check-ins
- Countdown posts
- Live holiday photos
Wait until you’re home before sharing your holiday online.
4. Ask Someone to Collect Your Post
Letters and parcels piling up behind the front door are one of the clearest signs that a property is empty.
Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to collect:
- Letters
- Newspapers
- Deliveries
- Leaflets
5. Keep Your Garden Looking Maintained
A freshly mown lawn and tidy front garden suggest someone is home.
Before leaving:
- Cut the grass
- Remove weeds
- Sweep paths
- Trim hedges
- Put garden furniture away if appropriate
6. Store Away Tools and Ladders
Don’t leave anything outside that could help someone gain entry.
Lock away:
- Ladders
- Spades
- Saws
- Power tools
- Bolt cutters
- Garden equipment
7. Install a Smart Doorbell or Security Camera
Visible security cameras and video doorbells can discourage opportunist burglars.
Many systems also allow you to:
- Watch live footage
- Receive motion alerts
- Speak through the camera
- Save recordings
8. Turn on Motion Sensor Lighting
Install motion-activated lights around:
- Front doors
- Rear doors
- Side gates
- Driveways
- Garages
Good lighting removes dark hiding places around your property.
9. Hide Valuables from View
Walk outside your property and look through your windows.
Move expensive items such as:
- Laptops
- Tablets
- Jewellery
- Cameras
- Car keys
- Designer handbags
out of sight.
10. Lock Your Shed and Garage
Garages and sheds often contain expensive equipment.
Check that:
- Doors are locked
- Windows are secure
- Valuable tools are hidden
- Spare keys aren’t left inside
11. Secure Side Gates
Many burglars look for access to the back garden.
Lock gates where possible and make sure fences are in good condition before leaving.
12. Move Spare Keys
Never leave spare keys:
- Under flower pots
- Beneath doormats
- Inside fake rocks
- In unlocked sheds
Instead, leave a key with someone you trust if necessary.
13. Leave Blinds and Curtains Looking Natural
Completely closed curtains during the day can suggest that nobody is home.
Leave them in their normal daytime position where practical.
14. Arrange for Bin Movement
If your bins stay out for several days after collection, it can become obvious you’re away.
Ask someone to:
- Put bins out
- Bring them back in
- Move recycling boxes
15. Cancel Regular Deliveries
Pause:
- Milk deliveries
- Newspaper deliveries
- Food subscriptions
This helps prevent items building up outside your property.
16. Park a Car on the Driveway
If possible, ask a neighbour or family member to occasionally park on your driveway.
An occupied driveway makes a property appear lived in.
17. Test Your Alarm
Before leaving:
- Check batteries
- Test sensors
- Arm the system
- Confirm remote notifications are working
Don’t assume your alarm is functioning properly without testing it.
18. Check Your Smart Home Devices
If you use smart security devices, make sure they are:
- Connected to Wi-Fi
- Fully charged
- Updated
- Recording correctly
Also confirm you can access them from your phone while away.
19. Tell a Trusted Neighbour
Leave your contact details with someone you trust.
Ask them to contact you if they notice:
- Suspicious visitors
- Damage
- Parcels
- Alarm activations
- Open doors or windows
20. Do a Final Walk Around
Before getting in the car, complete one last check.
✔ Doors locked
✔ Windows closed
✔ Alarm set
✔ Lights on timers
✔ Cameras working
✔ Post arranged
✔ Gates locked
✔ Valuables hidden
✔ Appliances switched off where appropriate
✔ Holiday plans kept off social media
Frequently Asked Questions
Is leaving a light on enough to deter burglars?
Not usually. Timer-controlled or smart lighting that switches on and off at realistic times is generally more convincing than leaving a single light on all night.
Should I tell my neighbours I’m away?
Yes, provided they’re people you know and trust. They can collect deliveries, move bins and keep an eye on your property.
Do security cameras stop burglars?
Visible security cameras and video doorbells can act as a deterrent for opportunistic burglars, especially when combined with good lighting, strong locks and a well-maintained property.
What’s the biggest giveaway that nobody is home?
Overflowing post, uncollected parcels, permanently closed curtains, overgrown gardens and public social media posts announcing your holiday are all common signs that a property has been left empty.
Final Thoughts
Preparing your home before a holiday doesn’t have to take hours, but it can make a real difference.
Working through this checklist before you leave can help your property look occupied, improve its security and reduce the chances of attracting unwanted attention.
Even simple steps—such as setting timer lights, locking side gates and asking a neighbour to collect your post—can help make your home a far less attractive target while you’re away.
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