Travelling is one of life’s greatest pleasures, whether it’s a summer holiday abroad, a weekend getaway, or a long-awaited trip to visit family. But while you’re away making memories, an empty home can become an easy target for opportunistic burglars. That’s why planning for your home’s security is just as important as booking flights or packing bags.

To help you enjoy your travels with peace of mind, here are essential home security tips every traveller should know.

Assess Your Home Security Before You Leave

Before heading out, take time to review your home’s current security setup. Many homeowners don’t realise how vulnerable their property is until something goes wrong. Walk around your home and check doors, windows, garage entrances, and side gates. Even small weaknesses like a loose lock or a broken latch can provide burglars with easy access.

If you’re unsure about your property’s overall security, consider arranging a professional home security assessment from a locksmith. This way, any weak spots can be identified and addressed before you travel. Spending a little time beforehand can prevent bigger problems later.

Upgrade to British Standard Locks

Locks are the first line of defence against intruders, and not all locks are created equal. Cheap or outdated locks are much easier to break, snap, or pick. Upgrading to British Standard locks (BS3621) ensures your doors meet recognised security requirements and insurance standards.

Professional locksmiths can recommend the best lock upgrades for your doors and windows, making it significantly harder for burglars to gain entry while you’re away. It’s a one-time investment that strengthens your property against one of the most common break-in methods.

Don’t Advertise Your Holiday Plans

It’s natural to want to share holiday excitement online, but broadcasting travel plans on social media can unintentionally alert burglars that your home will be vacant. Avoid posting departure dates, boarding passes, or location check-ins until you return.

Criminals increasingly monitor social platforms to spot opportunities. A single post can be enough to signal that your property is unoccupied. If you want to share memories, save them for after your trip. This way, you enjoy your travels without letting the wrong people know your home is empty.

Make It Look Like Someone’s Home

An empty property can stand out to burglars. A few simple tricks can make your home appear lived in while you’re away:

• Use light timers to switch lamps on and off at intervals.
• Keep curtains slightly open rather than fully drawn.
• Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway occasionally.
• Arrange for someone to collect mail or deliveries.

You could also leave a radio on at a low volume to give the impression that someone is inside. These small touches make your home less attractive to intruders looking for easy targets.

Secure Windows and Sliding Doors

While most people focus on front and back doors, windows and sliding patio doors are often overlooked. Weak locks, poor frames, or unsecured latches make them an easy entry point.

Consider fitting window restrictors or additional locks, and reinforce sliding doors with security bars or anti-lift devices. Burglars prefer quick access — if your entry points are secure, they’re more likely to move on. Frosted window film can also prevent intruders from peering inside to check if the property is empty.

Invest in a Smart Security System

Modern home security goes far beyond traditional locks. Installing a smart alarm system with cameras, motion detectors, and mobile alerts allows you to monitor your home in real time from anywhere in the world.

Doorbell cameras are also a strong deterrent, letting you see who’s at your door and giving the impression that someone is home. Burglars are far less likely to target a property that has visible security cameras.

If you’re away for longer periods, consider a system that alerts both you and a professional monitoring service. That way, any unusual activity can be acted upon immediately.

Ask for Help from a Trusted Neighbour

A good neighbour can be one of the best security measures. Ask someone you trust to keep an eye on your property, put bins out on collection days, and report any suspicious activity.

You can also give them a spare key in case of emergencies — but avoid leaving keys under doormats, flowerpots, or other obvious hiding spots. Burglars know exactly where to look. If you don’t have neighbours nearby, consider using a professional property-checking service while you’re away.

Don’t Forget Outdoor Security

Your garden, garage, and sheds also need protection. Burglars often use tools left outside to break into homes. Lock away ladders, garden equipment, and bicycles before travelling.

Adding motion-sensor lights around entrances and pathways also helps deter intruders, as burglars are less likely to approach a well-lit property. If you have high-value items in your shed or garage, such as bikes or power tools, consider fitting an alarm system there too.

Avoid Obvious Signs of Absence

Burglars are trained to spot signs that a home is vacant. Overflowing post, uncollected newspapers, or parcels left on the doorstep are clear indicators. Before you leave, cancel any regular deliveries and consider using a postal holding service.

Also, avoid leaving valuables in plain sight. Electronics, jewellery, and cash should be stored securely in a safe or hidden out of view. For added reassurance, take photographs of valuable items and note down serial numbers — this can help with insurance claims should anything ever go missing.

Bonus Tip: Check Your Insurance Cover

Many travellers overlook home insurance before they head away. Check your policy to ensure it covers unoccupied periods and that you’ve met the conditions, such as locking doors and windows properly.

Some insurers may require specific lock standards or alarm systems in place. Confirming this in advance avoids the risk of invalidated claims in the unfortunate event of a burglary.

Conclusion

Travelling should bring excitement and relaxation, not anxiety about home security. By assessing your current setup, upgrading locks, and adopting preventative measures, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your property is protected.

If you want complete peace of mind, professional support is invaluable. Central London Locksmith offers expert advice, British Standard lock upgrades, and emergency services to ensure your home is secure before you travel. Whether you’re going on a short city break or an extended holiday abroad, our team can help safeguard your home so you can focus on enjoying your trip.

Get in touch with Central London Locksmith today and make your home security one less thing to worry about while travelling.