Going on Holiday?

Keeping Your Home Safe This Summer: Holiday Security Advice from West Midlands Police (Wolverhampton)

Good evening Resident

As summer approaches, many Wolverhampton residents are preparing for well-earned holidays. While you’re enjoying the sunshine, the last thing you want to worry about is the security of your home. Unfortunately, burglars often take advantage of empty properties during holiday periods. West Midlands Police encourages all residents to take a few simple steps to protect their homes and give themselves peace of mind while away.

1. Make Your Home Look Occupied

Homes that appear lived-in are far less attractive targets. Before you leave:

Use timer switches on lights or radios to create the impression that someone is home.

Ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains, move bins, or park a car on your driveway if possible.

Avoid leaving garden tools or ladders outside—these can be used to gain entry.

2. Secure All Entry Points

A large number of burglaries occur through unlocked doors or easily forced windows.

Before you travel:

Double-check that all windows and doors are securely locked.

Ensure any side gates, garages, and sheds are properly secured with sturdy locks.

If you have an alarm, set it every time you leave your home.

3. Be Cautious with Social Media

Posting holiday plans online can unintentionally alert criminals that your home is empty.

Avoid sharing your travel dates publicly.

Save your holiday photos and videos for when you return.

Review your privacy settings to ensure posts are only visible to trusted contacts.

4. Protect Your Valuables

If someone does manage to gain entry, reducing what they can access will limit the damage.

Keep valuables out of sight and, where possible, store them in a safe.

Consider registering items such as electronics, bikes, and jewellery on Immobilise, the UK’s national property register.

Avoid leaving keys—especially car keys—near doors, windows, or letterboxes.

5. Use Technology to Your Advantage

Modern home-security technology can act as a powerful deterrent.

Install CCTV, smart doorbells, or motion-activated lights.

Use smart plugs or heating controls to add normal activity patterns to your home.

Ensure your security systems are accessible remotely so you can monitor your home while away.

6. Work with Your Community

Neighbourhood support is one of the strongest crime-prevention tools.

Let a trusted neighbour know you’ll be away and how they can contact you.

Join or participate in Neighbourhood Watch schemes in the Wolverhampton area.

Report any suspicious activity immediately via the West Midlands Police website or by calling 101 (999 in an emergency).

Enjoy Your Holidays with Confidence

Taking a few simple steps before you head off on holiday can greatly reduce the likelihood of burglary and help you relax while you’re away. West Midlands Police in Wolverhampton remains committed to keeping our communities safe and encourages everyone to stay vigilant this summer.

For more crime-prevention advice, local updates, or to report suspicious activity, please visit the West Midlands Police website or follow your local Wolverhampton neighbourhood policing team on social media.

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