DON'T let the excitement of a well-deserved holiday blind you to the risks of leaving your home unprotected. Burglary is still one of the most common crimes, so it's important to take precautions before you leave, so that you don't return to any disasters Many modern homes today in the UK already come with security locks, burglar alarms and security lighting included as part of the standard specification ensuring that homeowners live in a safe and secure environment. NHBC, the UK’s leading warranty provider and standard setting body for new build homes, offers some simple tips to help you keep your home and possessions safe and secure while you're away on holiday.

Keep eyes on your property Let your surrounding trustworthy neighbours know about your holiday plans so they can keep an eye on your house and notify the authorities if they see any suspicious activity. It’s always a good idea to give them your contact information to reach you if they need to.

Check your window locking systems Ground floor windows and any others that are easily reached by climbing are recommended to have an automatic lock at the press of a button that needs a key to open them. If you own a home built in the last ten years, this may already have modern security locks. Installing modern locks may also lower your house and contents insurance premiums.

Improve the security potential of your doors It is important to have robust locks on both the front and back doors, as well as a 180 door viewer to check on callers, a door opening limiter and hinge bolts on outward opening doors. Newer properties may already have these installed.

Do you have detection lighting?

Crime can be prevented by external detection security lighting that switches on after dark when someone is nearby, illuminating the general area. This allows both you and a neighbour to see a possible intrusion.

Benefits of an alarm system A house alarm systems acts in two ways – to deter intruders, and detect the opening of a window or a door. Some systems can also be linked up to a mobile phone number letting the owner know the alarm has been triggered.

Mark Jones, NHBC’s Group Head of House Building Standards, said ”Spending money on security measures is a good investment. It will last a long time, can add value to your property and offers peace of mind that your home and belongings are well protected.

“If you live in a newer property, you may already have security locks, burglar alarms and security lighting included as part of the standard specification. But there are also a number of simple measures people can take to keep their homes and property safe from burglars over the summer holiday months.”