Leaving Your Home Empty?

Securing Buildings Before the Holiday Period  

Checking Gates, CCTV, Access Control and Alarms  

This may seem like common sense, but carrying out a quick visual check is often not enough if you’re leaving your home unattended for a week or more.  

Before you travel, ensure that:  

• All alarm batteries are fully charged and operating correctly.  

• Remote CCTV cameras are connected, functioning properly and accessible via your mobile device.  

• CCTV cameras are clean, correctly positioned and recording as expected.  

• Access control systems, intercoms and automated gates are operating correctly.  

• Leaves, dirt, debris and any other obstructions are cleared away from gate tracks and moving parts.  

• Automatic gate motors and control equipment are adequately protected from the weather.  

• Manual release keys, spare fobs and emergency access devices are stored securely, preferably away from the property.  

• Spare house keys and garage remotes are left with a trusted friend or family member if required.  

Taking the time to carry out these simple checks before you leave can help prevent avoidable failures and ensure your property remains protected while you’re away.  

Identifying Vulnerable Areas Before Sites Are Left Unattended  

Most homeowners remember to lock their windows and doors, but securing your home properly means looking beyond the obvious.  

Walk around the perimeter of your property and assess it from the perspective of someone looking for an easy opportunity. Ensuring that access around the outside of your home is as secure as possible will help deter opportunistic criminals, vandals and trespassers.  

Remember, many criminals are not necessarily targeting the contents of your home. Cars, garages, sheds, garden rooms, bicycles, tools and outdoor equipment are often far easier targets.  

Before leaving your property:  

• Check that all gates are secure and locked.  

• Ensure external CCTV covers every access point and vulnerable area.  

• Inspect fencing, side access routes and boundary walls for weaknesses.  

• Confirm that sheds, garages and outbuildings have locks that reflect the value of the contents stored inside.  

• Remove or secure valuable items that may be visible from outside your property.  

A thorough perimeter check can significantly reduce the risk of opportunistic crime.  

Reviewing Emergency Contact Details and Response Procedures  

If your property will be left unattended, it’s important to have an emergency response plan in place.  

Before leaving:  

• Leave spare keys with a trusted friend or family member.  

• Ensure they know how to contact you in an emergency.  

• Provide them with any necessary alarm codes or access information, where appropriate.  

• Leave details of your security provider, gate engineer or alarm maintenance company should assistance be required.  

• Inform your monitored security provider of the dates you’ll be away and provide them with your emergency contact details if necessary.  

Having someone who can respond quickly to an incident can prevent small issues from becoming major problems.  

Reducing the Risk of Vandalism, Trespassing and Opportunistic Crime  

Visible security measures remain one of the strongest deterrents against criminal activity.  

Ensure your property clearly demonstrates that it is protected by:  

• External CCTV cameras.  

• A visible alarm bell box.  

• Security warning signs and window stickers indicating CCTV and alarm systems are in operation.  

• Signage displaying your monitored security provider, where applicable.  

In addition:  

• Secure side gates using quality chains and padlocks.  

• Install or utilise a video doorbell to monitor activity remotely.  

• Use timer switches to turn lights on and off during the evening.  

• Consider leaving a radio playing at selected times to create the impression that someone is home.  

• Ensure external floodlights or motion-activated lighting are operational.  

Mains-powered lighting offers the greatest reliability, however solar-powered security or garden lighting can also provide an effective deterrent by automatically illuminating your property after dark.  

These simple measures can make your home significantly less attractive to opportunistic criminals.  

Understanding When Professional Security Support May Be Required  

Having security systems installed doesn’t automatically guarantee your home remains protected.  

If your alarm system, automated gates, CCTV or access control equipment hasn’t been professionally serviced within the last 12 months, faults may go unnoticed until they’re needed most.  

Poorly maintained systems can result in:  

• Equipment failure.  

• Reduced security coverage.  

• False alarms.  

• Gates or access systems failing to operate correctly.  

• CCTV recording failures.  

• Increased repair costs.  

In some cases, if your security systems have not been maintained in accordance with manufacturer recommendations, your insurer may refuse to pay out following a claim.  

If you’re unsure whether your current security arrangements adequately protect your property, consider arranging a professional security assessment before you travel. A security review can identify vulnerabilities, highlight improvements and provide reassurance that your home remains protected while you’re away.