Keep Your Home Safe This May Bank Holiday

With the Bank Holiday nearly here, those heading off on a much-deserved weekend break should start to think about securing their home. By following these few simple steps, you'll be able to relax whilst you're away - safe in the knowledge that your home will be just as you left it, when you return:

        

        --  Use timer switches to turn your lights on and off at different times

            during the day. Having a well-lit home at night will give the impression

            that someone is home.

        --  Leaving your curtains closed for a prolonged period of time is a tell-

            tale sign that you're away. If possible, ask a trusted neighbour to pop

            around morning and evening to open and close your curtains, as you would

            do yourself.

        --  Take care when using social network sites such as Facebook or Twitter.

            It's much better to share photos and chat about your holiday once you

            return, than to broadcast the fact that you are going away and leaving

            an empty house.

        --  Make sure all your windows and doors are locked and that your domestic

            intruder alarm system is set before you leave. In the run-up to your

            holiday, ensure that your alarm is working properly and that any

            intruder alarm monitoring systems or maintenance agreements are

            activated. If your circumstances have been changed and your key holder

            alert system is out of date, it might be wise to upgrade to a fully

            monitored system that will alert the police, if necessary, whilst you're

            away.  

A senior spokesman for Dyno, who specialise in burglar alarm systems, said: "Holidays are a time for relaxing and unwinding without the nagging worry of how secure your home is. By preparing in advance, and checking that your alarm system is working properly and maintained, you can rest easy and enjoy your getaway."