With the return of travel normality across the globe you might be planning a holiday. The last thing you want to worry about is that your home might be insecure.

Follow these 5 top tips to gain peace of mind:

1. Ensure everything is locked and secure

This may seem obvious but we’ve all experienced that moment where we’re convinced we’ve left a window or door unlocked. Create a checklist in advance, add items such as ‘check each window’ and ‘lock the garden gate’ and spend 15 minutes checking items off.

Include your outbuildings and make sure any tools which burglars can use to force their way into your home are also locked away.

If you keep a spare key hidden in a secret location then remove it.

2. Give the illusion your home is occupied

A trusted friend, neighbour or family member is a valuable asset when it comes to making your home look occupied, to put mail out of view, keep the lawn mowed, or even to park their car in your driveway.

Cancel any regular deliveries, and consider investing in Royal Mail’s Keepsafe service so your mail doesn’t pile up on your doormat advertising your absence.

Alternatively, you might consider a home sitter.

3. Don’t advertise the fact you’re away

It can be tempting to share your holiday snaps instantly online with family and friends but it is safer to do this when you’re back home. Photos shared on social media can soon end up in the wrong hands. Expressing your excitement about a forthcoming trip will also notify people about when your home will be empty. And make sure your children understand this too.

Other giveaways are –

• Leaving your car fully packed with suitcases on the driveway overnight
• Leaving your curtains permanently drawn while away
• Writing your home address on your luggage labels
• Leaving an answer phone message which tells people you’re on holiday

4. Invest in home security

There is a range of gadgets and technology designed for home security which will act as a deterrent to burglars, such as Timer switches, smart home assistants, burglar alarms, CCTV cameras and security lighting.

5. Get the right insurance

Despite taking every precaution to secure your home while on holiday, falling victim to crime is unfortunately always a risk.

This might be the first time you have gone away for over a year, so check you still have insurance in place with sufficient cover for the full cost of replacing the things you own. And check this covers sheds or outbuildings and the value of items stored in them.