Summer Home Security Checklist: How to Protect Your Property Before You Go Away

Summer holidays should be something to look forward to, not something that leaves you worrying about whether your home is secure. Before you go away, it is worth spending a little time checking the doors, windows, locks, alarm system and outside areas of your property.

A secure home is rarely about one single measure. Good security comes from layers: reliable locks, well maintained doors and windows, sensible key control, a working alarm and signs that the property is being looked after. If one part is weak, the rest of the property can become more vulnerable.

At Page Security, we help homeowners, landlords and businesses with a wide range of locksmith and security services, including Emergency Locksmiths, Burglar Alarms, UPVC Door and Window Repairs, Automatic Door Openers, Access Control Installation and Door Entry Systems. We also assist with lock outs, lock repairs, lock replacement, lock fitting, burglary repairs, door repairs, frame repairs, safes and safe opening.

Use this checklist before you go away this summer so you can leave your property with greater peace of mind.

Key Takeaways

• Check every external door lock before you travel, including front, back, side, patio and garage doors.
• Make sure UPVC doors, patio doors, bifold doors and windows close properly and lock securely.
• Test your burglar alarm in advance, update keyholder details and check that any app monitoring is working.
• Keep your home looking occupied with timer lights, collected post, managed bins and a trusted person checking in.
• Secure outdoor areas by locking sheds, garages and gates, and putting tools, ladders and bikes out of sight.

Did you know? A home can look empty very quickly if post builds up, bins are left out and lights stay off every evening. What is the first thing you check before going away?

Why Summer Can Leave Homes More Vulnerable

Many homes are left empty for longer periods during the summer. Families go on holiday, landlords may have gaps between tenants, and second homes can be unoccupied for weeks at a time. Lighter evenings and warmer weather can also lead to small security habits slipping, such as leaving windows open, forgetting to lock side gates or leaving tools in the garden.

There are several common summer risks to think about:

• Windows left open for ventilation
• Doors that are pulled shut but not properly locked
• Ladders, tools and garden furniture left outside
• Bins, parcels and post making it obvious that nobody is home
• Holiday updates posted publicly on social media
• Faulty locks or stiff UPVC doors ignored until it is too late

Burglars often look for opportunities. A home that appears empty, poorly secured or easy to approach can be more attractive than one that looks occupied and well protected. That is why your summer security plan should cover the whole property, not just the front door.

Summer Home Security Checklist at a Glance

Check Every External Door Lock

Your external doors are the first place to start. Check the front door, back door, side door, garage door and any door connecting the garage to the house.

A lock should operate smoothly. If you have to lift the handle several times, pull the door towards you, wiggle the key or use a particular “trick” to make it work, something may be wrong. This can be especially common with older doors, worn lock cylinders and UPVC doors that have dropped or become misaligned.

Before you travel, check that:

• Every external door locks and unlocks properly
• Door handles are secure and not loose
• Keys are not bent, cracked or badly worn
• Locks are not stiff, damaged or unreliable
• Spare keys are not hidden outside
• Any old keys are accounted for

A spare key under a mat, flowerpot, bin or garden ornament is not secure. If someone needs access while you are away, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour, friend or family member instead.

If you have recently moved into the property, lost a key or are unsure who has copies, it may be sensible to consider lock replacement. This is especially important before leaving the property empty for a holiday.

Inspect UPVC, Patio and Bifold Doors

Many homes have UPVC doors, double glazed doors, patio doors or bifold doors. These are convenient and popular, but they need to be correctly aligned for the locking system to work properly.

With a UPVC door, lifting the handle often engages a multi point locking mechanism. If the door has dropped or the mechanism is worn, those locking points may not engage properly. The door may look closed from the outside but still not be secure.

Signs your door needs attention include:

• The handle is stiff or difficult to lift
• The key turns only when the door is pulled or pushed
• The door catches on the frame
• The door has visible gaps around the edges
• The lock feels loose or unreliable
• The door will not lock consistently

Patio doors and bifold doors should also be checked carefully. Make sure they slide, fold, close and lock cleanly. Check that tracks are clear of dirt and debris, and do not force any mechanism that feels jammed.

If something feels wrong, arrange repairs before you leave. A small fault can become a much bigger problem if the door fails while you are away, or if your keyholder cannot secure the property properly.

Secure Every Window

Windows are easy to forget, especially upstairs windows, small bathroom windows, conservatory windows and skylights. Before you leave, walk around the entire property and check every window individually.

Do not leave windows open on the latch while you are away. It may feel useful for ventilation, but it can create an unnecessary weakness. Even small openings can make a property easier to target.

Your window checklist should include:

• Close and lock all windows
• Check downstairs and upstairs windows
• Secure bathroom, kitchen and side windows
• Check conservatory doors and windows
• Look for broken handles, hinges or locks
• Move ladders, bins and climbable furniture away from windows
• Remove valuables from view

If a window is jammed, has a damaged lock or will not close securely, deal with it before you travel. Page Security provides UPVC Door and Window Repairs, so issues with locks, handles, hinges and mechanisms can be assessed professionally.

Review Your Alarm System

A burglar alarm is only useful if it is working and set correctly. Before going away, test your alarm in good time. Do not leave it until the morning you travel, when there may be no time to fix a problem.

If your alarm is not working, sounding randomly or showing a fault, arrange help before the property is left empty. You should also make sure everyone who needs to use the alarm understands how it works.

Check the following:

• The alarm sets and unsets correctly
• Sensors are working
• Batteries are not showing low power warnings
• The control panel is not displaying faults
• Your keyholder has the correct code
• Emergency contacts are up to date
• Pets will not trigger false alarms

If you have an older alarm system, summer can be a good time to think about whether it still suits your needs. Page Security provides Burglar Alarms and can help with alarm systems for homes and business premises.

Consider App Monitored Alarm Systems

Modern alarm systems can offer more control than older systems. App monitored alarm systems allow users to manage security from a smartphone or tablet, which can be useful when you are away from home.

Depending on the system, app monitoring may allow you to:

• Arm and disarm the system remotely
• Receive real time alerts
• View event history
• Manage different zones
• Stay informed while travelling

This can be particularly useful for holiday periods, second homes, rental properties and business premises. However, smart monitoring should not replace basic physical security. A good alarm is strongest when it works alongside reliable locks, secure doors, properly closing windows and sensible routines.

Make Your Home Look Occupied

An empty looking home can attract unwanted attention. The aim is not to make it obvious that you have gone away.

Simple steps can make a noticeable difference:

• Use timer switches or smart lights in lived in rooms
• Ask someone trusted to collect post
• Arrange for bins to be put out and brought back in
• Pause regular deliveries where possible
• Keep curtains and blinds looking natural
• Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the property
• Keep the garden tidy before leaving

Avoid leaving the house completely dark every evening. A light on a timer can help the property appear occupied. If you are away for more than a few days, having someone visit can also help spot problems such as leaks, storm damage, attempted entry or alarm issues.

Protect Keys, Codes and Access Points

Good key control is an important part of home security. If you do not know where all your keys are, or who has copies, your property may be less secure than you think.

Before you leave, check:

• No keys are hidden outside
• Spare keys are with trusted people only
• Keys are not labelled with your address
• Old tenants, contractors or previous occupants do not still have access
• Alarm codes and access codes are not shared too widely
• Codes are changed when they are no longer needed

For shared entrances, rental properties, flats and commercial premises, Door Entry Systems and Access Control Installation can help manage who enters the building. Page Security supplies and fits access control systems and door entry systems, including options such as audio, video, keypad, proximity card or fob, GSM, wired and wireless systems.

These systems can be used on doors, gates, shutters and garages, making them useful for different types of property.

Secure Sheds, Garages, Gates and Gardens

Outdoor areas are often overlooked before a holiday. However, tools, ladders and garden equipment can be used to force entry if left unsecured.

Before you leave, walk around the outside of the property and look at it from a security point of view.

Check the following:

• Sheds are locked
• Garages are secure
• Side gates are locked
• Ladders are stored away
• Tools are not left outside
• Bikes and garden equipment are secured
• Garage windows are covered or valuables are out of sight
• Outdoor lighting is working

If your garage connects directly to your home, check the internal door as carefully as you would check the front door. It should be locked and secure.

Outbuildings can also contain valuable items, including bikes, tools, lawnmowers and sports equipment. Do not assume they are safe just because they are outside the main house.

Be Careful With Social Media

It is natural to want to share holiday photos, but public posts can reveal that your home is empty. This is especially risky if your profile is open, your location is tagged or your address can be worked out from previous posts.

Before and during your holiday:

• Avoid posting exact travel dates publicly
• Do not share airport photos in real time
• Turn off location tagging where appropriate
• Wait until you return before posting holiday albums
• Avoid mentioning an empty home in automatic replies or voicemail messages

Share travel details only with people who need to know, such as close family, trusted neighbours or your keyholder.

Prepare for Emergencies Before You Leave

Even with good preparation, problems can happen. A lock may fail, an alarm may trigger, a door may become stuck or there may be signs of attempted entry. Planning ahead makes it easier to respond quickly.

Before travelling, make sure you have:

• A trusted keyholder
• Your alarm code shared securely with that keyholder
• Emergency contact details saved
• Your insurance details available
• Photos of valuable items
• A locksmith or security company number saved in your phone

Page Security provides Emergency Locksmiths and assists with burglary repairs, lock repairs, lock replacement, door repairs, frame repairs, safes and safe opening. If something goes wrong, it helps to know who to call.

Consider a Professional Security Check

If you are leaving your property empty for several weeks, have had a recent lock issue or are worried about an older door or window, a professional security check can be worthwhile.

This is especially useful for:

• Older properties
• Recently purchased homes
• Rental homes between tenants
• Homes with UPVC doors that are stiff or misaligned
• Properties with old or unreliable alarm systems
• Homes that have previously had a break in or attempted break in
• Commercial or mixed use premises

A professional can check whether locks, doors, frames, windows, alarms and access points are working as they should. Small repairs before you leave can help prevent bigger problems later.

Final Checklist Before You Walk Out the Door

Before you leave for your summer break, take one final walk around the property.

Final checks:

• Lock all external doors
• Check that UPVC, patio and bifold doors fully engage
• Close and lock every window
• Set the alarm
• Check app alerts if you use smart monitoring
• Put lights on timers
• Move tools, ladders and bikes out of sight
• Lock sheds, garages and side gates
• Ask someone trusted to collect post
• Keep spare keys secure
• Avoid posting travel updates publicly
• Save emergency locksmith details
• Make sure your keyholder can access the property if needed

Need Help Securing Your Home Before You Go Away?

Before you head away this summer, take time to deal with any weak points. A stiff lock, faulty UPVC door, broken window handle or unreliable alarm is much easier to fix before your holiday than during an emergency.

Page Security can help with:

• Emergency Locksmiths
• Lock outs
• Lock repairs
• Lock replacement
• Lock fitting
• Burglar Alarms
• UPVC Door and Window Repairs
• Door repairs
• Frame repairs
• Burglary repairs
• Automatic Door Openers
• Access Control Installation
• Door Entry Systems
• Safes and safe opening

If you are going away and want to make sure your property is properly secured, contact Page Security for practical advice, professional repairs and reliable locksmith and security support.

Contact us before you travel for professional locksmith support, UPVC Door and Window Repairs, Burglar Alarms, Access Control Installation and Door Entry Systems.

Further Reading

• Checklist for Securing Your Home When You Leave It: Practical police advice on locking doors and windows, keeping valuables out of sight, hiding keys and making the home look occupied.
• Keep Burglars Out of Your Property: Useful guidance on reducing hiding places, making entry more difficult and protecting your home from opportunistic burglary.
• Door Security Advice: Advice on improving door security, including the importance of using both locks and making sure doors are double locked.
• How Protecting Your Garden Makes Your Home Safer: Guidance on side gates, garden boundaries, hiding places and outdoor areas that can affect the security of the main property.
• Mark Your Property to Deter Burglars: Advice on marking valuables so they are easier to identify and less attractive to thieves.