The Holiday Habits That Make Homes Easy Targets and How to Avoid Them

Summer holidays are for relaxing, but leaving a home unattended can, unfortunately, invite trouble. With 82% of Europeans planning trips this season, burglars are on the lookout for easy targets. Burglars often target properties that appear easy to access, and everyday habits can unintentionally signal that a house is empty.

Here are the five biggest mistakes homeowners often make before travelling, plus simple tips to avoid them.

1. No visible signs of activity

During the summer holidays, a few telltale signs can reveal when a home is unoccupied. Piles of uncollected post or parcels at the door, bins left out for days, closed curtains throughout the day, and a stationary car in the driveway can all attract unwanted attention from opportunists. With the Linus^® Smart Lock L2, trusted friends and neighbours can have temporary access to your home via code or virtual key to help manage these responsibilities and keep an eye on your place while you enjoy your much-needed break.

 2. A lack of visible security deterrents

If your home doesn’t have visible security measures, it can seem like an easy target for burglars. Just because you don’t have alarm signs doesn’t mean your property isn’t protected. Still, without cameras or video doorbells on show, you’re missing a chance to deter trouble and capture any suspicious activity. Clear alarm signage and visible cameras or doorbells, such as the Yale Smart Camera range or Yale Smart Video Doorbell, help signal that the property is protected.

3. Predictable or ineffective Lighting

Homes without outdoor lighting can look empty, but leaving lights on all the time without any change can also give the impression that no one is home, as it doesn’t mimic natural activity. Faulty or badly placed motion-sensor lights won’t do much good either. Using timed or smart lighting to replicate your usual routines is a great way to create the impression that someone’s there, helping to deter unwanted visitors.

4. Publicly posting about your holiday

Sharing holiday updates on social media might seem fun, but it can unintentionally let burglars know your home is empty. Posting in real time from airports or hotels makes it obvious you’re away, and public profiles with location tags reveal exactly where you are. Even countdown posts, while exciting, can give a clear window of opportunity. To reduce the risk, it’s best to keep travel updates private until you’re back home.

5. Easy Access and Visible Valuables

Leaving valuables in plain sight from the outside can make your home a tempting target for burglars. Unlocked side gates provide easy access, and tools left out in gardens or sheds can be used to force entry. Damaged fences or broken panels only add to the risks. Securing gates, storing tools safely, and fixing fences all help strengthen home security. Another key step can be adding smart security to outdoor entrance points. The Yale Smart Alarm has a 1km range and can be paired with Yale Smart Gate and Garage detectors, as well as window sensor accessories for comprehensive protection that can be easily monitored in the Yale Home app.

Conclusion

Being aware of these common pitfalls and taking simple, proactive steps can make all the difference in protecting a home over the holidays. A little preparation and some help from the Yale Smart Security Family goes a long way towards peace of mind while away.