With the arrival of summer and vacation getaways, many homes are left unoccupied for several days or even weeks. This period is especially sensitive for homeowners, as empty houses can become an easy target for burglars. Knowing how to prevent home burglaries while you’re away not only gives you peace of mind, but also protects your investment and belongings.
Why It’s Important to Protect Your Home When It’s Empty During Vacation
During vacation periods, many homes remain locked and unattended, making them more vulnerable to theft and break-ins. According to Spain’s Ministry of the Interior, summer sees an increase in reported home burglaries, particularly in urban and residential areas.
Beyond the financial loss a burglary can cause, there’s also an emotional impact: the unsettling feeling of losing privacy and safety in your own home. That’s why taking preventive measures before going on vacation is essential to safeguard everything you value.
How to Secure Your Home While You’re Away
When leaving your home empty for several days, the best approach is to anticipate any situation that could compromise its security. Fortunately, there are now many solutions to keep your home protected and under control, even remotely. From reinforcing locks to installing smart systems, securing your home while you’re on vacation is easier and more affordable than ever.
More and more homeowners are choosing to upgrade their properties with home automation, using technology to automate tasks, simulate occupancy, and receive real-time alerts about any incidents.
Technology to Prevent Burglaries: Alarms, Cameras, and Smart Security Systems
One of the most effective ways to prevent home burglaries is by installing a smart security system. Nowadays, there are accessible and efficient solutions that include various features:
- Surveillance cameras with remote access, so you can see in real time what’s happening at home from your phone.
- Motion and entry sensors on doors and windows that alert you to any intrusion attempts.
- Alarms connected to a security center or your smartphone, notifying you of any suspicious activity.
Many of these devices allow you to program routines, turn on lights, or play sounds to simulate occupancy—an excellent deterrent against burglars.
Practical Tips for Securing Doors and Windows Before Going on Vacation
Sometimes the simplest details are the most important. Before leaving your home to enjoy your vacation, make sure to:
- Check the locks: Ensure all doors have security locks. Consider installing additional deadbolts or drill-resistant lock guards.
- Secure the windows: Use safety latches or bars on easily accessible windows, especially if you live on the ground floor.
- Lock everything, even from the inside: Many intrusions happen because windows are left “just slightly open” for ventilation.
Remember—prevention is always cheaper than repair.
What to Do With Valuables to Keep Them Safe While You’re Away
If you own high-value items (jewelry, electronics, important documents), avoid leaving them visible or in obvious places like drawers or closets.
- Store the most important items in a hidden safe or, ideally, in an external safety deposit box (such as one at a bank).
- Make a list with photos and serial numbers of your electronics and documents. In case of theft, this will make recovery or insurance claims easier.
- Avoid sharing on social media that you’ll be away for an extended period—this information can be seen by people outside your trusted circle.
Strategies to Make Your Home Look Occupied While You’re on Vacation
Making your home appear occupied is a simple yet very effective technique for deterring burglars. Some actions you can take include:
- Asking a neighbor or family member to collect your mail or take out the trash regularly.
- Using smart timers to turn lights on and off or raise and lower blinds automatically.
- Leaving laundry hanging or a car parked outside to reinforce the impression that someone is home.
The key is to break the sense of abandonment. The more signs of activity your home shows, the lower the chance of someone attempting to break in.
Renting Out Your Home While on Vacation
A growing trend is to rent your home short-term while you’re away. This not only helps prevent burglaries but also generates extra income.
It’s very straightforward—there are specialized companies that handle everything from verified tenant management to property maintenance. By keeping your home occupied with trustworthy tenants, you eliminate one of the main risk factors.
Knowing how to prevent home burglaries while on vacation isn’t just about investing in technology or locking doors—it’s about having a comprehensive strategy that combines prevention, common sense, and modern solutions. Because the most important thing is leaving nothing to chance.
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