Going on Holiday? How to Secure Your Manchester Home While You're Away
Manchester homes are most vulnerable when empty during holidays. Here's how to make yours look occupied and stay secure.
Summer holidays, Christmas breaks, and weekend getaways all mean your Manchester home is sitting empty — and burglars know it. Empty homes are significantly more likely to be targeted, so taking precautions before you leave is essential.
Before you leave your Manchester home:
Lock everything: This sounds obvious, but it's the most common mistake. Check every window, every door, the garage, the shed, and any side gates. Use all your locks — don't just pull the door shut on the latch; fully deadlock it.
Timer lights: Use plug-in timers to switch lamps on and off in different rooms at realistic times. Smart bulbs controlled by your phone are even better — you can vary the pattern each day.
Don't advertise your absence: Never post holiday plans or photos on social media while you're away. It's astonishing how many burglars use Facebook and Instagram to identify empty homes.
Cancel deliveries: Packages piling up on the doorstep scream "nobody's home." Have deliveries held or redirected to a neighbour.
Ask a neighbour: A trusted neighbour who can keep an eye on your property, park on your drive occasionally, and collect post is invaluable.
Don't leave keys visible: Keys left on hallway tables or hooks near letterboxes can be fished out using tools through the letterbox. Move them well out of reach.
Security checklist before travelling:
✅ All doors fully deadlocked (not just latched) ✅ All windows locked and handles removed where possible ✅ Garage and shed padlocked ✅ Timer lights set ✅ Valuables out of sight ✅ Post redirected or collected ✅ Trusted neighbour informed ✅ No social media posts about your trip ✅ Side gates locked ✅ Letterbox guard fitted
Need your locks checked before your holiday? Call Great Manchester Locksmiths on 07949 139 475 for a pre-holiday security check.
About Manchester — Why This Matters Locally
Manchester is one of the UK's largest and most diverse cities, with over 2.8 million people across Greater Manchester and some of the highest burglary rates in England. The advice in this article is specifically relevant to Manchester homeowners because of the unique mix of property types, demographics, and security challenges found across the city.
Whether you live in a Victorian terrace in Chorlton, a student house in Fallowfield, a semi-detached in Prestwich, or a city centre apartment — the security challenges are real and the solutions need to be tailored to your specific situation and neighbourhood.
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