How to Secure Your Garden during holidays or Long Absences

Holidays and garden security should go hand in hand, because if they’re neglected, you could be putting yourself at risk of a break-in. Going on holiday or being away from your home for an extended period can leave your garden vulnerable to theft, vandalism, and other security threats. To avoid these risks, it’s essential to take steps to implement garden security before you leave. Here are some tips for securing your garden during holidays or long absences. Keep gates and sheds locked The first tip is securing garden gates and sheds with high-quality locks. This includes any side or rear gates that provide access to your garden, as well as any sheds or outbuildings. Use a strong padlock and ensure that the hasp and staple are securely attached to the gate or shed. You may also consider using a padlock with a code or keyless entry system, so you don’t have to worry about losing keys while you’re away or keys being stolen. Check your home insurance One of the most important steps you need to take is to check you have the right home insurance cover and that it’s valid when you’re away. Buying the cheapest insurance you can afford may seem like the best option in terms of saving money, but how many exclusions are involved that could render your policy invalid? For example, if you’re away from the property for a certain number of days, you might be invalidating your insurance. Likewise, you may need to let your insurer know if you’re going away in order to keep the cover in place. Keep up appearances So much of protecting your home when you’re away is about deterring criminal activity. So, you need to keep up appearances that someone is still in the property so that criminals are less inclined to try to access it. This means cancelling any milk or newspaper deliveries you have scheduled, so they don’t pile up while you’re away, and leave curtains and blinds open because nothing gives away that the property is empty like curtains closed during the day. You can also sign up to Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service which keeps your post while you’re away and delivers them when you’re back home. Install security lighting Security lighting is an excellent way to deter potential intruders from entering your garden. It can also help to alert your neighbours or passers-by to any suspicious activity. You may want to consider installing motion-activated lights that will turn on when someone enters your garden. These can be connected to a mobile app, allowing you to receive notifications if any movement is detected, so you always have a clear view of what’s going on at your property. Timers are also great for giving the illusion that someone is home – use timers to turn on and off outdoor lights at regular intervals, making it more difficult for potential intruders to determine whether your property is occupied. It’s the perfect way to implement garden security while away. Design your garden for security If you’re serious about garden security, you can design your garden to make it harder for criminals to access it. For example, tall hedges and trees can provide cover for potential intruders, making it easier for them to enter your garden undetected from passers-by, so before you leave for your trip, trim any hedges or trees that could be used as hiding places. Gravel paths can also be an effective way to deter potential intruders because they make a noise when you walk on them which will alert people surrounding your home to any activity in your garden. Gravel paths around the perimeter of your garden are an effective deterrent, especially when leading up to garden security gates. Choose a high quality security camera A security camera can provide an extra layer of security for your garden while you’re away. It can be connected to a mobile app, allowing you to monitor your garden from anywhere in the world. Make sure you choose a camera that can detect motion and send alerts to your mobile device, so you can take appropriate action if any suspicious activity is detected. CCTV technology has come a long way in recent years and it’s a great investment to make into the security of your home. Install secure gates and doors Research shows that over three quarters of intruders gain access to a private residence through the door, which is a stark reminder of just how important it is to choose durable materials for doors and gates in order to prevent unwanted access. The strongest doors are made from solid wood but you may also want to opt for a composite door which is made from several durable materials to add that extra layer of protection. Make sure the mechanisms on the locks adhere to PAS 24 British Security Standards and have a Secured by Design accreditation for peace of mind. Your door should also have an anti-snap lock and a multi-point locking system to keep intruders out. Avoid buying a door with glass panels as this provides a vulnerable point that could easily be broken to gain access. It’s not just front and rear doors to your property to bear this in mind with – garages, sheds and garden gates should also be made from tougher materials where possible to prevent a break-in. Get your neighbours on side If you have a trustworthy neighbour, ask them to keep an eye on your garden while you’re away. They can alert you or the authorities if they notice any suspicious activity, and if you give them a spare key, they can check your garden and property for any signs of intrusion. It can also be beneficial to join a neighbourhood watch scheme, which are an effective way for communities to fight burglary as a collective. Make use of home safety apps Visual deterrents are one of the most effective home security tips UK residents need to be aware of, and you might be surprised by the impact they have. A flashing alarm box on the front and back of your home is a visual sign to thieves that your home is secured, and the noise if anyone does attempt to break in will alert your neighbours that something is wrong. Be sure to choose a British standard approved alarm and activate a smartphone app that will enable you to activate your alarm system remotely. Don’t leave tools outside Leaving tools or equipment outside can make your garden an easy target for thieves and gives them access to items that they could then use to break into your property. Before you leave, make sure all tools and equipment are securely stored away in sheds or garages. To really keep your gardening equipment or power tools secure, consider using a strong locking system on any valuable equipment itself. Use a smart lock A smart lock can be a convenient way to secure your garden while you’re away. It can be connected to a mobile app, allowing you to lock and unlock gates or sheds remotely. This will allow you to control access to your garden from anywhere in the world, and gives you peace of mind that you have control over your home even when you’re not there. Final thoughts When it comes to knowing how to protect your home, you need to take your outdoor space into consideration as much as the interior. Thieves will gain access via the garden, so you need to make sure that this is secure in order to protect your property as a whole.

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