Hint: An important thing to think about is social media use before and during your vacation
Do you ever leave your house for the airport or a road trip and start wondering if you closed all the windows and locked all the doors?
Your mind starts racing at the possibility that someone could break into your home and pick through everything you own and you immediately want to turn the car around and check that every lock and bolt are secure.
Unfortunately, while it’s never helpful to panic, it is a good idea to take home security seriously and have several measures in place before you leave for your vacation.
According to PhoneWatch, between March 2023 and April 2024 burglaries in Ireland increased by 6% compared to the previous year. This concerning yearly increase trend with 9,806 burglaries highlights the urgent need for all homeowners to be more vigilant. We need to take proactive steps to improve our home security measures, especially in the height of the summer holiday season when more homes will be vacant for longer.
Home security recommendations:
- Neighbour assistance: Ask a neighbour to take in your post and bins while you are away, so that it looks as if you are home.
- Maintain your garden: Keep your lawns cut and shrubs pruned, so it looks freshly done, especially if you are going on holidays.
- Lock windows and doors: Always lock your doors and shut windows when you aren’t home. Never leave spare keys under the mat.
- Set light timers: Programming the lamps around the house to come on in the evening and turn off at bedtime will make it look like someone is home.
- Get a monitored alarm: Having a monitored home alarm will keep you protected 24/7 whether you are at home and away. PhoneWatch’s system also monitors against smoke incidents. Arm it and check for updates via the app when you are way.
Something a lot of us may not think much about is our social media use while on holiday. From the ‘airport pints with passport’ shot to the ‘airplane window over scenic view’ photo to the almost obligatory ‘crossed feet at the end of a sun lounger with colourful beverage’ snap, we’re all guilty of oversharing when we free ourselves from the shackles of our daily lives.
However, revealing too much information about your whereabouts not only puts you at a higher risk of burglary, it could lead to issues with your home insurance. Many aren’t aware that some insurance policies include clauses that could void coverage if you’re found to have been reckless with your home’s security. Publicly posting your location or evidence that you’re hundreds of miles away could be considered a breach of these terms. Tech entrepreneur Adam Collins from Ignite SEO says burglars use social media to target empty homes, which is why it’s vital to take precautions.
Social media security recommendations:
- Reconsider your timing: Share your experiences *after* you return from your trip rather than in real-time. This way, you can still share all the great photos and stories without the risk of real-time exposure.
- Adjust your privacy settings: Make sure your posts are only visible to a close circle of friends and family. Dive into your social media platform’s privacy settings to control who sees what you share.
- Avoid specific details: General posts about being on holiday are less risky than those that include specific details like dates, locations, or how long you will be away. Keep the finer details offline.
- Leverage home security: Invest in good home security systems, like alarms and smart locks, and mention in a post (only if you must) that your home is protected. Sometimes, letting potential intruders know your home is secure can deter them.
- Check your insurance policy: Review your home insurance policy for any clauses that might be affected by your social media habits. If in doubt, consider a chat with your insurance provider to clarify the terms.
Click here for more information on regional burglary rates and PhoneWatch’s July 2024 burglary report.
