A Complete Summer Security Checklist for Your Home

A Complete Summer Security Checklist for Your Home

Statistics show that burglary increases by 11% in summer. Why? In many cases, it’s because people are on the move for their summer holidays or just weekends away. That gives burglars the perfect chance to get in and out undetected.

Not to worry. In this post, we’ll provide an all-encompassing checklist to stop your home becoming a target.

1. Lock it up

The first and most fundamental tip during summer is to close and lock every last window, door and point of entry to your home. Seems obvious, right? While the vast majority of householders will make sure their front door is locked securely, many won’t check the windows throughout their home.

While some windows may be difficult to get through, remember that burglars have plenty of time while you’re away – and you can’t always rely on neighbours to spot them.

Aside from windows and doors, make sure other points of entry like garages are locked. Also check outbuildings, such as your shed or garden room. It’s also a good idea to lock internal doors, if possible. This makes it harder for thieves to scour your home for valuables if they do manage to get inside.

2. Don’t be a shop window!

Next on the list – don’t showcase your valuables to thieves. When you’re away from home, your property can become a shop window to opportunist passers-by. If laptops, jewellery, or even car keys catch their eye, they’ll know it’s worth the effort breaking through windows or doors.

Make sure everything valuable is hidden away as best you can – at the very least, away from windows. Where possible, remove valuables from your home and store them at a friend or neighbour’s house.

3. Unsubscribe while you’re away

For some people, there’s nothing better than waking up to the newspaper on your doorstep every morning. But what happens when you’re not there to pick it up and bring it in? A pile of unread newspapers is a tell-tale sign that you’re away from home, and your property is vacant.

Wherever possible, cancel or pause any subscriptions you have that are delivered to your home. Can’t do that while you’re out of town? Try to contact a friend, relative or trusted neighbour who can pick them up or take them inside your house.

4. Light it up

Want your home to look lived in, even while you’re away? Try switching lights on and off remotely. This can be done the old-fashioned way with timers, or by asking a friend to stop by. Alternatively, you can install automated lighting, which can be operated anywhere with an internet connection.

Switch on your hallway lights at the time you’d normally arrive home from work – all whilst lounging on the beach. Turn everything off at home as you go to bed in your hotel room. Or just set schedules to keep your property looking busy around the clock.

5. Install, test and set alarms

There’s only so much you can do to stop your home attracting burglars. Now, it’s time to make sure your property is ready if they do come knocking (or smashing). Intruder alarms are a simple and effective way to stop burglars getting in and out of your home undetected.

When a door or window is opened or broken, the alarms will sound. This will alert people nearby, the authorities – or even you, through a notification to your phone.

If you already have an alarm system installed, it’s best to test it before you go away – using a professional security company is the most thorough option. Finally, make sure it’s set when you leave your house.

6. Keep it covered with cameras

Want complete peace of mind while you’re away from home? Or the ultimate deterrent for opportunist thieves? Surveillance cameras tick both of those boxes. By installing smart cameras connected to your home’s Wi-Fi, you can check in on your property from any device with an internet connection.

Even better, the mere sight of cameras will send most burglars running, as they know that their actions will be recorded and available for the police to track them down.

Speak to our summer security experts

If you want to make sure your home is secure this summer, speak to the residential security experts at Selectron. With a range of the latest security products, including cameras, alarms and lighting equipment, we can make sure your home is safe and secure while you’re away – and when you’re back home.

Arrange a consultation with our team today to get started.


At Selectron our solutions help you meet the increased challenges of today’s security and surveillance, enabling you to improve safety by reducing and preventing security breaches and accidents. Find out more about us >>

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