Prepare your home for the summer season

It’s estimated that approximately 84% of Brits hop on a plane in search of a slice of sun each year, and with the summer fast approaching, you may even be gearing up to head on your summer travels.

While it’s an exciting time of year for those about to head on holiday, it’s also important to not leave your home security by the poolside. 

As you prepare to jet off for a well-deserved rest, take a moment to assess your current security set-up and find the weak links, before the opportunists do.

Simple shed security

Research from insurance provider Aviva revealed that one in eleven of the 1500 people surveyed don’t protect their sheds and outbuildings, even though 29% had previously been a victim of theft.

With a growing trend of converting outbuildings into home offices and gyms containing expensive equipment, and sheds often housing gardening equipment or bikes, it’s important to make sure they’re properly protected.

Adding a high-quality padlock, combined with a durable hasp and staple, is a simple, effective security upgrade. Search for a padlock which can stand up to the harsh weather we are accustomed to in the UK, and decide whether you’d prefer a combination or keyed padlock. You can read more about how to choose a padlock in this blog.

Our CP50ATLS padlock is a great example – its stainless steel shackle protects against rust while its 312 hours of salt spray testing provides confidence in its all-weather capabilities. Its combination operation offering 10,000 possibilities means no keys to lose or have stolen.

If you’d prefer a keyed option, ST50S is a great all-weather padlock. Made from stainless steel, its durable construction provides long-lasting protection – just make sure to hide the keys in a safe, hidden place before you go on holiday.

A padlock is only as strong as its hasp and staple, so when you’re upgrading your padlock, it’s worth upgrading your hasp and staple too. The NO.6H is a great, cost effective option – constructed from hardened steel and fixed to the surface using coach bolt fixings, making it much more difficult for opportunists to remove in a hurry. 

Secure your suitcase

Security isn’t just limited to your home. Insights from leading air transport IT provider SITA reveal that 18% of suitcases arrived at their destination either damaged or tampered with. And with jewellery, camera equipment and expensive clothing often stored in suitcases, it’s important to ensure yours is as secure as possible to avoid a nasty shock on what should be a relaxing break.

Choosing a small, robust combination padlock, such as the DEFENDER DFTSACOMBI35, will provide peace of mind and security on your travels. Its steel shackle and 35mm die cast lock body provide it with the protection it needs to withstand the impacts it’s likely to take. Additionally, the DEFENDER DFTSACOMBI35 is Travel Sentry® approved, so security agents can easily open, inspect and relock the suitcase without damage.

Stronger garage protection

Bicycles, motorcycles, cars, high-value tools and gardening equipment are often kept in the garage to protect them from the elements, and also the wandering eye of opportunist thieves.

Unfortunately, these items are some of the most targeted for theft, representing 60% of items stolen in Aviva’s research. So, it’s important to invest in high-quality security to keep your most prized possessions safe.

Our Garage Defender 5 is ideal for up and over garage doors. Easy to install with a simple ground fitting, the GA5 features a tilt action arm which locks into place to prevent the door from being opened. Rated Sold Secure Domestic Bronze, GA5 offers a strong first line of defence for your possessions. 

Other tips to consider

While there are lots of physical security measures you can take, like those mentioned above, to protect your home while on holiday, there are also a few more handy tips to keep in mind:

• Set your lights on an automatic timer to have them come on during the evening to give the impression that someone’s home.
• If you’re away for an extended period of time, ask a friend or neighbour to take in any post or parcels.
• Ensure any car keys, laptops or other high-value items are kept out of sight from windows.
• As tempting as it might be, avoid posting your holiday snaps on social media until you get home again – this can be an advertisement that your home is empty.

When it comes to home security, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, but it’s always important, especially if you are preparing to leave your home for a while, to audit your security and see what improvements you can make.

At Squire, we have a host of high-quality security solutions to give you peace of mind and help you relax on your well-earned holiday.

To learn more about our padlock ranges, please visit our general security page.