How to Keep Your Property Secure When Unoccupied

The Autumn/ Winter season is an ideal time for burglaries. The short days and long nights create easier opportunities for thieves to break into your home. Whether you're taking the kids away for Half Term or you have an unoccupied holiday home, we've got some useful advice on how to maintain effective property security, all year round.

1. Hide Valuable Possessions

Although burglaries may still occur, due to signs of the property being unoccupied, concealing valuable items from plain sight will reduce criminals' temptation.

Invest in blinds and heavy, full-coverage curtains to help keep your property more secure. Remove any TVs, games consoles and visible technology from front-facing rooms to assist with home security.

2. Install Automatic Lights

Naturally, burglars prefer to work in the dark so installing automatic lights, especially if your unoccupied property is surrounded by neighbouring houses, can help to keep your house more secure. Having the lights turn on at unusual times can alert neighbours that there might be unwelcome presence on the grounds.

3. Invest in Window Locks

Of course, you know better than to leave your back door unlocked, but have you thought about the windows? In fact, it is reported that most burglaries happen through a forced back window, rather than the door. Installing window locks and lockable window latches can prevent thieves from using that method to access your property.

4. Consider Security Cameras

Whether it is due to budget or inability to assemble them, security cameras and infrared CCTV may not be your first choice for property security. Yet, paying that little extra for upgraded security, might be worth it in the long term. Even the use of a fake camera, that does not actually record movement, is still a good deterrent for burglars.

5. Choose a High-Quality Door Lock

Assuredly, installing a quality door lock is a necessity in any property. The locksmith's favourite is the 5 Lever Mortice Deadlock. For added peace-of-mind, install hinge bolts. Don't forget that your home insurance might have minimal door lock requirements, so even if you're not going for the high-end doors, it's worth checking before considering our options.

6. Make Friends with your Neighbours

If your rental property or holiday home is close to other properties, it's always worth saving the numbers of your closest neighbours to alert them of expected time away from the property. This way, they'll know that if they see any strange presence around your house, it's not your friends dropping by for a weekend break.

7. Make the Most Effort to make it look Liveable

If your main property or rental property is unoccupied, a good rule of thumb is to make sure to collect any unwanted post and flyers and leave a lightbulb on in one of the rooms. Next time you revisit just change the light in another room. Keep in mind that this method only works if you can visit often.

If the lamps at a house are always on, and have been so for weeks on end, this could in fact be a positive signal for potential burglars.

For anti-snap locks, lock repairs and advice on the best security systems for your home, can help 7 days a week.For anti-snap locks, lock repairs, and expert advice on the best security systems, Rightio's locksmiths are available seven days a week. Keep your property safe and secure throughout the year with these practical tips.