You’ve wrapped the presents, packed your bags and are all set to head off for a week away with your family. But is your home ready to be left empty?
The most likely five days in December for thieves to strike are the 5th, 6th, 11th, 17th . . . and today, research by the insurer Direct Line has revealed.
Bicycles, mobile phones, iPads and other tablets, laptops, cameras, power tools, golf clubs, audio equipment, games consoles and gardening tools are the booty burglars prize most, the insurer added.
Here we look at ways to protect yourself in the holidays.
Check your locks
Fit deadlocks or key-operated security bolts to all external doors.
Fit a high-quality, approved alarm — look out for British Standard BS4737.
Fit key-operated metal locks to all your accessible windows.
Never leave keys in a lock, or in a secret hiding place such as under a mat — burglars know where to look.
Always lock your shed or garage, especially if it has a connecting door to your house.
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Extra precautions
Always lock up garden tools and ladders — they can be used to break into your home.
Trim garden hedges so that doors and windows can be seen and no one can hide.
Make sure the area around your home is well lit.
Security-mark your valuables with your postcode, and photograph them if possible.
Avoid common accidents
Selwyn Fernandes, managing director of LV home insurance, said: “Only buy Christmas tree lights from a reputable seller and don’t leave them on when you’re out of the house. Think about how visible your presents are from outside when you’re not in. Don’t leave empty boxes lying outside your house, as they could advertise what you’ve got.”
If you’re going away, reduce the likelihood of pipes freezing by leaving your central heating on low. And if you will be away for a few days, it’s worth turning off the water at the stopcock and draining the system, so there’s no water left in the pipes (remembering to turn off the taps again once the system is drained).