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Going on Holiday?

Everyone needs a holiday sometime. And however much you like your home, there is nothing like a change of surroundings.

But you want to come home and find everything as you left it. Four out of five housebreakings occur when a house or flat is empty, so don't advertise that you're away on holiday.

The best way to do this is to plan well ahead and make a list of those things, which must be done to secure your home. Inform everyone who needs to know that you will be away, and avoid letting strangers know – you may be helping the housebreaker choose his next target. The following checklist should help you avoid his attentions.

Have you:

• Arranged for pets to be properly cared for? Your local branch of the RSPCA, pet shop or vet will be able to advise you on kennels, catteries, etc.
• Locked all doors and windows?
• Cut the lawn?
• Locked the shed and/or garage and put all tools away?
• Asked your neighbours to remove any post or newspapers left showing in the letter box, and put some rubbish in your dustbin?
• Told your neighbours you will be away? Give them your holiday address in case of emergency.
• Turned the gas and water supply off? Turn off electricity unless you need it for a freezer, time switches etc.
• Cancelled milk and newspapers, bread and other regular deliveries?
• Deposited small items of value such as jewellery and quantities of cash at the bank?
• Considered time switches to operate lights during the hours of darkness to give the impression the house is occupied?