It’s nearly that time of year again when the sun is shining and the lighter evenings mean I can sit out in the garden, take the kids to the park, and trawl travel blogs for holiday inspiration. But it’s not just us that enjoy the warmer weather with domestic burglaries increasing by 10% over the spring and summer months. Burglars ramp up activity. They take advantage of unoccupied homes and expensive items left out in the garden, so you really must look at ways to secure your home.

With this in mind, the security experts at Yale have compiled a list of their top tips for securing your home while away this summer.

Suitable Locks

Ensure external timber doors are secured with a mortice lock and/or nigh latch that meet British Standard BS3621. If you have a PVCu or composite door, consider upgrading the cylinder to a British Standard, TS007 Kitemarked model.

Invest in a Home Safe

When sitting outside or away for the weekend, protect smaller valuable items within a home safe. Yale recommends using a safe that is securely bolted to the floor or wall and is big enough to contain everything valuable. Whether its expensive jewellery, small electronic gadgets, important documents and gift receipts or items of sentimental value.

Security Devices

Traditional security devices such as home alarms and CCTV systems can act as an excellent visual deterrent with figures revealing that 60% of burglaries attempted on homes with alarm systems fail. Additionally, modern devices, such as those in the Yale Smart Living range, allow homeowners to remotely control the products via their smartphones. They can receive notifications, emails and even images if the system is triggered.

Act Like You Are Home

Make it appear as though someone is home. For instance, leaving a car on the driveway or investing in lights on a timer to make them come on at certain times. Yale’s SmartHome Alarm features a clever power switch accessory, which allows lights, appliances and other electrical items to be operated using your smartphone!

Don’t Let Mail Buildup

Don’t let post pile up at your door, signalling to thieves that no one is home. Take advantage of the Royal Mail’s ‘Keepsafe’ scheme. The team at Royal Mail will hold onto your letters and parcels for up to 66 days. They then deliver them once you’re safely home again.

Double Check Doors

Perhaps the most obvious home security concern is remembering if you’ve locked the front door. Now with smart locks such as Yale’s Keyfree and Keyless you can check this remotely using the free smartphone app. Some smart locks also have the added benefit of being able to let guests in using a temporary PIN code. This is ideal for granting short-term access to your parents or neighbours who can water the plants or check on the pets for you. I love this idea to secure your home.

Avoid Social Media Updates

Finally, ‘checking in’ at holiday locations on social media or posting photos can be risky. It lets potential criminals know you’re away and offering an open invitation. Take the time to check your settings or wait until you’re home to post online.