Keeping a holiday home secure can be difficult as they are often left unoccupied for long periods of time with possessions and valuables left inside. A holiday home is meant to be a place of relaxation and fun so we want to help you make sure yours is as secure as possible, so you can enjoy your holiday home with peace of mind.
Is your holiday home unoccupied for most of the year?
Many people only use their holiday homes once or twice a year, meaning they are left unoccupied most of the time. An unoccupied property requires a different level of security than an everyday home. Luckily there are a few simple steps you can take to increase your holiday home security and reduce the risk to your property and possessions:
Change the locks
As with all property, it is advised that you change your locks when you move into your holiday home, as well as every seven years. It is impossible to know if your keys are the only ones to your new property. Hiring a reputable locksmith to change your locks will increase your property security by ensuring only you and the people you allow have keys to your property. Since burglars often enter homes through the front door, your locks must be up to date to keep your property, possessions, and loved ones safe.
Do you need to change your locks? Read our article to find everything you need to know for changing your locks.
Don’t label your keys
Holiday properties are often only used a few times a year, meaning the keys aren’t regularly used. Many people struggle to differentiate between their keys when they have several and will label them as a way to tell them apart. If your key is stolen and has a label with your property name or address on it this will make it very easy for an intruder to break into your premise. This may also affect your insurance policy if they use a key to enter.
Secure your possessions and valuables at your holiday home
Installing a safe for your valuables reduces the likelihood that a burglar will risk targeting your property due to the added time and skill needed to attempt to break into a safe. Safes are a great security option for your holiday home as they come in a range of sizes, cash ratings and prices. Find the best safe to keep your valuables secure and prevent theft.
Keep an eye on your property even when you’re not there
While your holiday home is unoccupied it may become a target for intruders. CCTV helps to discourage burglars and identify culprits in the event of break-ins. It ensures that nobody can approach or gain access to your property without your knowledge or permission. This can be extremely beneficial when you are away from your property and can provide peace of mind when the holiday home isn’t in use for long periods.
Install a burglar alarm in your holiday home
Installing an alarm system is one of the most popular security measures to deter burglars. As well as discouraging burglars from breaking into the property, burglar alarms also effectively alert the owners to any break-ins. Burglar alarms also alert local authorities meaning the alarm will still be effective, even if your holiday home is vacant and you aren’t nearby.
Secure your garden
Many holiday homes have an outdoor space. An unsecured garden is a risk to your holiday home and possessions. There are many ways you can secure your garden, including keeping hedges and fences high to limit access, adding good quality padlocks to gates, and locking your valuables and tools away in a secure shed or outhouse. Using sheds and storage buildings to hide valuables and tools can prevent thieves from easily getting them out of your garden. This also ensures they can’t be used as a weapon or aid to get into your house.
It can be difficult to secure your holiday home as they remain vacant for prolonged periods. A holiday home is meant to be a place of relaxation and enjoyment, and security is highly important for keeping it that way. The above steps can help you sure your holiday home throughout the year, regardless of whether your holiday home is occupied or not.
Our security solution experts want to provide you with the most honest advice and the best products to help you protect your home. We are happy to help with anything you need to provide you with the peace of mind you deserve. For more advice on securing your home or to upgrade your home security, visit our store or call our friendly team on 0115 9780141.
