How to Secure Your Home When You Go on Holiday: 10 Practical Security Tips

Going on holiday should be a time to relax and enjoy a break from everyday responsibilities. However, for many homeowners, leaving the house unoccupied for several days or weeks can create concerns about security.

Homes that appear empty for extended periods may attract unwanted attention from opportunistic criminals. During residential security assessments in Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay, it is common to see small oversights that make properties appear unattended.

Fortunately, a few simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of burglary while you are away. By planning ahead and ensuring that your perimeter security systems and home security measures are functioning properly, you can travel with greater peace of mind.

Below are ten practical steps homeowners can take to improve security before leaving for a holiday.

1. Avoid Advertising That Your Home Is Empty

One of the easiest ways criminals identify vacant homes is through visible signs that the property is unoccupied.

Examples include:

• Posting holiday updates on social media while away
• Packages or deliveries accumulating at the front door
• Mailboxes overflowing with letters

Although sharing travel photos online is common, posting them in real time can unintentionally reveal that no one is home.

What you can do

• Share holiday photos after you return home
• Pause deliveries where possible
• Ask a neighbour to collect mail or packages

Reducing visible signs of absence helps make your home appear occupied.

2. Use Timers and Smart Lighting

Lighting can be a powerful deterrent when used correctly.

Homes that remain completely dark for long periods may signal that no one is present.

Automated lighting systems can help simulate normal activity inside the house.

Useful options include

• Timers that turn lights on and off in the evening
• Smart lighting controlled through mobile apps
• Exterior lights that activate at dusk

These systems help create the impression that someone is still at home.

3. Ask a Neighbour to Check on Your Property

Trusted neighbours can play an important role in residential security.

Simply having someone occasionally check on the property can make a significant difference.

Neighbours can:

• Move bins or packages
• Open and close curtains periodically
• Report suspicious activity

Community awareness is one of the most effective deterrents against crime in residential areas.

4. Ensure Your Alarm System Is Fully Operational

Before leaving for a holiday, it is important to confirm that your alarm system is functioning correctly.

Even well-installed systems require periodic checks to ensure everything is working as expected.

Quick checks to perform

• Test alarm sensors and keypads
• Confirm that batteries are charged
• Ensure the system arms and disarms correctly
• Verify that notifications are reaching your phone or monitoring service

A functioning alarm system provides immediate alerts if someone attempts to enter the property.

5. Check Electric Fence and Perimeter Security

Perimeter security systems provide the first line of defence around the property.

If your home is equipped with an electric fence or perimeter alarm, these systems should be inspected before leaving.

Important checks include:

• Ensuring fence wires are properly tensioned
• Confirming voltage levels are within normal range
• Testing alarms connected to the fence energiser

Perimeter systems detect intrusion attempts before someone reaches the house itself.

6. Secure Gates and Garage Doors

Gates and garage doors are among the most common entry points used by intruders.

Before leaving for an extended period, homeowners should double-check that all access points are secure.

Things to verify

• Gates are properly locked
• Garage doors close fully and securely
• Remote controls are not left visible in parked vehicles

Taking a few minutes to secure these areas can prevent easy access to the property.

7. Install or Activate CCTV Cameras

CCTV cameras provide both deterrence and monitoring.

Visible cameras can discourage criminal activity, while recorded footage helps identify suspicious behaviour if something occurs.

Modern systems may also allow homeowners to view live footage remotely.

This feature allows you to check on your property from anywhere while travelling.

8. Pause Deliveries or Collect Mail

An accumulation of packages or mail at the entrance of a home is one of the clearest indicators that no one is present.

If possible, arrange for deliveries to be paused during your absence.

Alternatively, ask a neighbour or trusted person to collect items regularly.

Keeping the entrance area clear helps maintain the appearance that the property is occupied.

9. Maintain Outdoor Lighting and Visibility

Well-lit properties are less attractive to criminals.

Before leaving for a holiday, ensure that exterior lighting is working properly.

Focus on areas such as:

• Driveways
• Gate entrances
• Side passages
• Backyards or garden areas

Removing hiding spots and maintaining visibility around the property improves security.

10. Inform Your Security Company

If your home is connected to a security company or armed response service, informing them of your travel plans can be helpful.

Knowing that a property will be vacant allows security personnel to respond more quickly to unusual activity.

In some cases, additional patrols may be available for properties that will be unattended for longer periods.

Final Thoughts

Leaving your home unoccupied during a holiday does not have to create security risks. With proper preparation and a few preventative measures, homeowners can significantly reduce the likelihood of burglary.

For residents in Somerset West, Strand and Gordon’s Bay, combining good security habits with reliable systems such as alarms, electric fences and CCTV cameras provides a strong defence against opportunistic crime.

Helderberg Security Services offers a Free Perimeter Security Assessment for homes in the Helderberg area, helping homeowners ensure their security systems are functioning properly and suited to their property.

Taking the time to prepare your home before leaving can make your holiday far more relaxing—knowing that your property remains protected while you are away.