Protect your home from burglars without breaking the bank

We all need a break every now and again – even if it’s just a few days at the coast, a camping trip with the kids or house-sitting for a mate. But while you're switching off, don’t let burglars switch on to the fact your home’s empty.

A break-in doesn’t just cause stress, it can be expensive to sort out. And when money’s already tight, it’s a financial hit most of us could really do without.

The good news? You don’t need fancy tech or a big budget to keep your home secure. Here are some easy, low-cost ways to protect your place while you’re away.

1. Don’t make it obvious you’re away

Burglars are opportunists. They look for signs a house is empty – piles of post, bins left out, or parcels sitting on the doorstep. Before you leave:

• Cancel milk or newspaper deliveries if you still get them.
• Avoid ordering online just before you go.
• Ask a friend or neighbour to move your bins and pick up any post.
• If you’ve got a cat flap but no cat-sitter, secure it shut.

And save the sunny beach snaps for after your trip. Posting holiday photos while you’re away could tip off thieves that your home’s empty.

2. Use light to your advantage

Making it look like someone’s home can be a big deterrent.

• Plug-in timers are available from as little as £6 and turn lamps on and off in the evening to give the impression your property is occupied.
• Motion-sensor lights outside can spook burglars – and alert your neighbours if someone’s hanging around.

These small gadgets don’t cost much, but they make a big difference.

3. Lock up properly

It might sound obvious, but double-check every window and door – even tiny ones in the bathroom or kitchen.

• Got an older door? Adding a cheap bolt or extra lock can boost security.
• Hide your keys, especially car keys. Many burglars are after those now. Stick them in a drawer, not by the door, or take them with you.
• If your keys use a fob that allows you to lock and unlock your car remotely, think about using a Faraday pouch. These are available for around a fiver, and prevent signal-jamming theft - when thieves amplify and replicate the signal from a key to unlock and steal a car. 

And never leave a spare key under a plant pot or doormat. That’s the first place burglars check. If someone needs to get in while you’re away, give them the key directly or use a secure key safe.

4. Ask a friend or neighbour to check in

Let someone you trust know you’re away. Ask them to pop round, bring in parcels and generally keep an eye out.

If something suspicious happens, having someone nearby can help get the police involved faster. You could also consider a house sitter, even a friend or family member staying a night or two can make it less obvious you’re away.

5. Secure your outside space

If a burglar can’t get in the front door, they might try your shed or garden instead.

• Lock up ladders and tools so they can’t be used to break in.
• Tidy away BBQs and bikes – or lock them in a shed.
• Consider a shed alarm (available for about £20) and a good bike lock if you’ve got something valuable stored outside.
• Move bins away from low fences or garages – burglars have been known to use them as makeshift ladders.

6. Consider a budget-friendly security upgrade

If you can afford it, there are more secure options that don’t have to cost the earth:

• Battery-operated alarms or smart doorbells can act as a deterrent – even if they’re not top-of-the-range.
• Door and window alarms start from under £15 online. Look for systems accredited by the NSI or SSAIB.
• Dummy alarm boxes will give burglars cause to think twice, as will a cheap camera