Keep your home secure while on holiday

In the run-up to your holiday there is so much to organise that it can be difficult to know where to start. While we are well aware of the importance of keeping ourselves and our belongings safe when on holiday it can be easy to forget about what you have left behind.

We asked Dr Steffan George from the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) – for some top tips to help keep your home safe while you are soaking up some sun.

'We all know what it is like when you’re about to run out of the door for holiday – in-between checking you have your tickets, money, passport and ordering a taxi time flies by, but making sure you give your home a once-over before you go is essential.

'At the MLA we know this is easier said than done, so we have put together a handy checklist to go through before you set off on your travels:

- Check your house from the outside in – are there any ladders or objects in the garden that could be used to break into your property? If so, can they be moved and stored somewhere safely?

- Remove valuable objects from view in both the house and outhouses.

- Make sure all of your windows and doors (including internal doors to conservatories and garages) are locked and the keys are taken out of the locks.

- Are any house keys or car keys in vision? If so, put them somewhere safe and out of sight.

- Consider installing light timers around the house, so it appears someone is home at night.

- Are neighbours, family or friends able to pop into the house to open curtains and remove post? As this will make it appear as though you are at home and help to deter potential criminals.

- Added security such as alarms and even CCTV could act as a deterrent and alert neighbours to intruders, so make sure you set them before you leave.

- Don’t leave any keys in doors – they may be picked out through a letterbox or a side window may be smashed to gain access.

- Outhouses, such as sheds and garages, should be locked with a suitably approved lock – a good source of advice is Sold Secure.

- Lock any side or back gates – again using a recommended lock.

- Cancel any deliveries of newspapers and milk.

If you want to be extra sure your home is as secure as possible you can ask a trusted professional, such as an MLA licensed locksmith, to survey the physical security of your house and ensure you have appropriate locks fitted prior to your holiday.'

To find an MLA licensed locksmith visit www.locksmiths.co.uk or to review a list of independently tested and approved security products visit the Sold Secure website at www.soldsecure.com