Whether you're away for a weekend or a two-week holiday, an empty home can attract unwanted attention. Opportunist burglars often look for obvious signs that nobody is home before deciding whether to target a property.

Fortunately, a few simple steps can make your home appear occupied and reduce the risk of becoming an easy target.

Use Timer Switches

One of the easiest ways to create the impression that someone is home is by using timer switches.

Set them to turn on:

• Living room lights
• Hallway lights
• Bedroom lamps

Varying the times slightly each evening creates a more natural appearance than having the same light on all night.

Ask Someone to Keep an Eye on the Property

A trusted neighbour, friend, or family member can help by:

• Collecting post
• Moving wheelie bins
• Opening and closing curtains occasionally
• Parking a car on the driveway if appropriate

These small actions can make a property appear lived in.

Don't Let Post Build Up

Letters and parcels piling up behind the front door or sticking out of the letterbox are obvious signs that nobody is home.

Before you leave:

• Arrange for someone to collect your post
• Redirect deliveries if necessary
• Avoid leaving parcels in view

Keep Curtains and Blinds Looking Normal

Completely closing curtains for two weeks can make a property look unoccupied.

Instead:

• Leave curtains in their usual daytime position
• Leave blinds partially open where appropriate
• Avoid making the house look noticeably different

The aim is to maintain a normal appearance.

Be Careful What You Share Online

Posting holiday updates while you're away can unintentionally advertise that your home is empty.

Avoid sharing:

• Departure dates
• Live holiday photos
• Airport check-ins
• Countdown posts

It's often better to post your photos once you're back home.

Maintain the Garden

An overgrown lawn or neglected garden can quickly suggest that nobody is around.

Before leaving:

• Cut the grass
• Trim hedges if needed
• Put away garden tools
• Secure outdoor furniture

A tidy exterior gives the impression that the property is cared for.

Secure Every Door and Window

Before leaving, check that:

• Front and back doors are fully locked
• Multipoint locks are engaged
• Windows are closed and locked
• Garage doors are secure
• Side gates are locked

Don't forget conservatory, patio, and French doors.

Remove Spare Keys From Outside

If you normally hide a spare key outside, take it with you or leave it with someone you trust.

Avoid common hiding places such as:

• Under doormats
• Flower pots
• Fake rocks
• Garden ornaments

These are among the first places an opportunist will check.

Check Your Locks Before You Travel

If your door has recently become:

• Hard to lock
• Difficult to unlock
• Stiff to operate
• Loose at the handle

have it repaired before you leave.

The last thing you want is a lock failure just before your holiday or when you return.

Make Security Visible

Visible security measures can encourage an opportunist burglar to look elsewhere.

These include:

• Motion-activated lighting
• CCTV or video doorbells
• Snap-resistant door locks
• Secure side gates
• Well-maintained doors and windows

A home that appears secure is often a less attractive target.

A Few Simple Steps Can Make a Big Difference

You don't need expensive security systems to make your home look occupied. Timer lights, collected post, secure doors, a tidy exterior, and sensible social media habits can all help create the impression that someone is home. Combined with good-quality locks and regular door maintenance, these simple measures can help protect your property while you're away.