The way you arrange your trash could prevent you from burglary this summer

It's the time of year again when people go on holiday, making it crucial to tighten home security to deter burglars while you're away, and with 266,489 police recorded burglaries in the past year alone1, it's important to be thoroughly prepared and protect your home and belongings whether you are on holiday or not.

With this in mind, Express Bi-Folding Doors have teamed up with Ivelin Hristov, Home Security Expert at Fantastic Handyman to provide tips on how to deter burglars and keep your home safe while on holiday this summer.

See the full list below including dog bark alarms, taking care of your trash, leaving a pair of shoes at your front door, and more.

Take care of your trash

What might seem like a small and irrelevant detail can catch a burglar’s attention, such as outdoor bins. Ivelin says bins can attract burglars by providing insight into what you own. Recycled trash, in particular, can reveal if you've purchased anything expensive. To prevent this, break down large boxes to make it harder for burglars to identify valuable items. Additionally, consider ways to keep your trash visually concealed until it's collected.

Install outdoor motion-activated lights

Instead of constantly having your outdoor lighting on, install motion-activated lights around the perimeter of your house. This is actually one of the home security solutions that has proven to be the most effective. The sudden bright lights can startle potential intruders and scare them away because they usually prefer privacy and will be deterred by a well-lit property, says Ivelin.

Barking dog alarm

A barking dog alarm can be an effective deterrent against burglars while you're on holiday. These devices mimic the sound of an aggressive dog barking when motion is detected, creating the impression that a vigilant and potentially dangerous pet is guarding the home. Burglars often seek easy targets and are likely to avoid properties where they perceive a risk of confrontation or exposure. The realistic sound of a barking dog can significantly increase the perceived difficulty and danger of breaking into your home, thereby reducing the likelihood of an attempted burglary.

Create foot traffic

If you'll be away for an extended period of time, ask a neighbour or a friend to park their car in your driveway or in front of your house every now and then. This creates the impression that the house is occupied. Ivelin recommends having them pick up your mail too, as a buildup of letters and packages can signal your absence. Additionally, consider forming a neighbourhood watch with trusted neighbours to look out for each other. A close-knit community can be a very effective way to discourage criminals from targeting your area.

Use a fake TV simulator

Fake TV simulators are also another great option for deterring burglars, says Ivelin. These devices create the illusion of a flickering TV screen, implying the presence of someone at home. This will be especially useful if you're away on holiday, especially in the evenings. Alternatively, you can also just keep a radio turned on if you’re not at home. A cleverer way to incorporate one is through an app, meaning you can schedule to turn it on whenever you’d like.

Leave a pair of shoes at the front door

If you're going away for a few days, leave a pair of large work boots or muddy shoes outside your front door. This can create the illusion that someone is home and can deter any potential burglars. You could also ask your neighbours or friends to leave a different pair of shoes each day so it looks like someone is constantly present at home.

Steve Bromberg, managing director at Express Bi-Folding Doors says: "Ensuring your home is secure while you're on holiday is crucial. A robust front door with strong security features such as a five-point locking mechanism and anti-snap security cylinders is your first line of defence, providing peace of mind and protecting your property from potential intruders. However, if you want to take additional measures, I hope our tips are of help.”