As the Christmas holiday season is upon us, many of us will be going away to see family and friends.  Valkyrie have guidance as to keeping your home safe while you’re away:

Make it appear that someone is home, e.g. don’t close your curtains because during the day this shows your house is empty. Also, use automatic timer-switches to turn your lights and radios on when it goes dark.

Cancel any newspaper deliveries.

Friendly with your neighbours? They may be able to help you by collecting your post or parking their car on your driveway.

If you take a taxi, use a company you can rely on, and when having a chat, don’t give too much away on your holiday plans. Make it sound like you have a house-sitter, whether you do or not.

Leave important documents and valuable items with other family members. Alternatively lock them in a safe.

Leave your home address off of your luggage when you are travelling to your holiday destination. A house number and postcode will suffice if you want to label your luggage.

If you normally leave bicycles or similar items in your shed, consider putting them in the house.

Make sure that you lock all outside doors and windows and set your burglar alarm if you have one.

Avoid posting public messages on social media that you’re away from home.