Family locks the door before leaving - home security at the holidays

Home security at the holidays: practical tips before you leave

Learn how to enhance your home security this holiday season with practical tips on theft prevention, modern technologies, insurance coverage and proper cooperation with neighbours to keep your home safe and secure.

Quick checklist: I lock up properly, don't «advertise» my absence, leave lights/shutters looking «live», ask a trusted neighbour for help, store valuables in a safe place.

Home security at the holidays: why you need a plan

During the holidays, travel, excursions and visits increase. This means that many homes are left empty for hours or days. If you do 2-3 simple things before you leave, you greatly reduce your chances of becoming an easy target.

Before you leave home: the basic steps

1) Doors, locks and windows

  • Lock with the key (not just «pulled»).
  • Close/secure balcony doors and windows, especially on rear sides and skylights.
  • Do not leave spare keys in «classic hiding places» (doormat, pot, power box).

2) Lighting and «image of presence»

  • Use a timer or smart bulbs to turn lights on/off at reasonable times.
  • Leave a roller/curtain in a normal position (not all completely down for days).
  • If you have external lighting, opt for motion sensors at entrances.

3) Neighbours and practical help

  • Update only a trusted relative/friend or neighbour to supervise the residence.
  • Ask to collect mail/advertising so that absence is not noticeable.

4) Objects of value and documents

  • Do not leave jewellery, cash and important documents in visible places.
  • If necessary, use a safe or safe deposit box.

5) Social media: do not announce that you are away

Avoid public posts that show that «the house is empty». If you want to share moments, do so after you return or to a limited audience.

When you are away for many days

  • Appoint a trusted person for a brief check (e.g. lights, water, windows).
  • Consider basic preventative measures for damage (e.g. shut off general water if there is a history of leaks).

If you are moving or clearing out space during the holidays

Boxes in the entryway, items on the balcony or «storage» in common areas indicate that the house is in a state of flux and may attract the wrong kind of attention. If you need organized removal of items before you leave, check out the service Empty Rooms Thessaloniki or the moving in Thessaloniki.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important for home security at the holidays?;

Not appearing to be empty: proper locking, trusted neighbor, basic lighting/timers and no public posts revealing absence.

Do I have to leave the lights on all night?;

Not necessarily. Better a timer or smart lighting that turns on/off at normal intervals to make it look like daily use.

Is it a bad idea to «hide» a key outside the house?;

Usually yes, because the usual «hiding places» are known. Prefer to leave a key only with a trusted person.

What should I do with the mail when I'm away?;

Ask a neighbour/relative to pick it up. Accumulated mail is a sign of absence.

What role does social media play in security?;

Public posts about travel or check-in can reveal absence. Best to post after you return or with limited visibility.

Where can I find official advice on burglary prevention?;

In the «Citizen's Guide» of the Greek Police there are practical instructions for interrupting and preventing robberies in homes.

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