Going Away for Christmas? Top Tips to Keep Your Home Safe

Max Haley
Dec 22, 2025
3 min read

The festive season is a time for family, friends, and well-deserved breaks – but it’s also a prime time for opportunistic burglars.

If you’re heading away this Christmas, taking a few simple precautions can make all the difference in keeping your home secure.

At H Harrold & Sons, we’ve helped people re-secure their homes in the new year after break-ins and burglaries, so here are our practical tips to help you relax and fully enjoy the festivities.

Hands use calipers to measure a metal lock part, reading 0.648 on a digital display. Workbench with tools and papers in background.

1. Lock Up Properly

It sounds obvious, but it’s still one of the most common issues we see. Before you leave, double-check every door and window, paying special attention to side doors, patio doors, garages, and upstairs windows.

2. Don’t Advertise Your Absence

Try to avoid posting holiday plans on social media until you’re back home. A public announcement that your home is empty is an open invitation to intruders. And on the internet, you never know who might see your posts.

3. Use Timers for Lights

A dark house for days on end is a clear signal that nobody’s home. Plug-in timers for lamps or smart lighting systems can create the illusion of activity.

At H Harrold & Sons, we supply TV simulators for indoor use, which mimic the glow of a television in the evening and help make a property look occupied.

Outside, good lighting is one of the most effective deterrents. We currently offer a Wi-Fi floodlight camera, combining bright motion-activated lighting with camera coverage, app access, and two-way speech, allowing you to see and speak to visitors remotely.

4. Secure Valuables

Keep jewellery, small electronics, and important documents out of sight. A home safe adds an extra layer of protection and can also offer reassurance for items you’d rather not leave unsecured.

We supply and install Chubbsafes HomeVault safes, offering up to £4,000 cash cover for everyday home use. You’re welcome to visit our showroom to see suitable options in person or contact us for a no-obligation survey.

5. Check Your Locks

If your locks are old or worn, now is the time to upgrade. Modern, insurance-approved locks offer far better security than outdated models.

It’s important that the lock meets current British Standards. Older mortice locks may not meet modern British Standards requirements and can be weaker than people realise. At H Harrold & Sons we can check existing mortice locks, advise whether they meet the correct standard, and upgrade or replace them where necessary.

For cylinder locks, we currently fit Ultion 3 Star Plus cylinders, which meet the latest TS007 3-Star standards (2024). These are Sold Secure Diamond approved, Police Preferred and designed to protect against modern forms of attack.

6. Ask a Neighbour for Help

A trusted neighbour can collect post, put the bins out, or generally keep an eye on things as even small signs of activity can deter burglars.

7. Consider Additional Security

From door reinforcement to smart cameras and alarms, extra measures can give you peace of mind. And additional security doesn’t always mean major changes.

Ensuring your door locks, handles, and hardware meet current TS007 3-Star security standards can significantly improve how well a door resists attack. This may be achieved through a 3-Star cylinder alone, or a combination of 2-Star reinforced handles with a 1-Star cylinder.

For patio and French doors, we also supply Patlocks, which provide a strong, highly visible deterrent by securing the internal door handles and helping prevent the doors being forced open, even if the lock itself is attacked.

If you’re unsure what’s worthwhile for your home – or what isn’t – we’re happy to assess your existing security and recommend a sensible, proportionate solution.