As the summer approaches, many of us are counting down the days to a well-deserved holiday. But once you've got your suntan and you finally get back home, the last thing you want is to discover you've been burgled.

Luckily, we've got some great tips for how to keep your home and possessions safe while you're on holiday. That means you can enjoy your trip to the fullest without worrying about home security.

Top home security tips for holidaymakers

Make your home look occupied

Studies show that 47% of burglaries are committed on the spur of the moment. So, if it's obvious that nobody's home, it can be an open invitation for a break-in.

To avoid drawing attention to your unoccupied property, it's a good idea to:

• Use automatic timers or virtual assistants like Alexa, Siri or Google Assistant to turn on your lights and TV at normal times.
• Limit deliveries, because a pile of unopened goodies shows you're not around to collect.
• Empty your rubbish bins and put them back in their regular spot.
• Cut your grass and tend to your flowers so that it doesn't seem like you're not there to manage an overgrown garden.
• Ask a friend to park their car in your driveway.

Creating the illusion of normal routine helps keep away unwanted visitors.

Lock your doors and windows

It's easy to forget just one window or lock in your rush to get to the airport. So make sure to do a final sweep of your windows and doors before you go, even if you're sure everything is locked.

Before you go on holiday is also an excellent time to call in a domestic locksmith to improve your home security. At DB Locksmiths, we offer lock, hinge and gasket repairs for uPVC doors and windows, as well as door handle replacements. Ensuring strong protection for your doors and windows is your best first line of defence against break-ins.

Put your valuables out of sight

Computers, laptops, phones, tablets, games consoles and other expensive electronics are a major payday for any burglar. Be sure to put your valuables out of sight in cupboards, wardrobes or wall safes to avoid giving criminals a reason to target your home.

Don't advertise your holiday on social media

Part of the excitement of going on holiday can be sharing the experience with your friends through photos and videos. But this shows the world that your home is empty.

Try not to post about your trip until you get home. Or, if you really can't resist, make sure your posts are only visible to your friends.

Lost your keys? DB Locksmiths can help

It's easy to lose something when you're travelling. But while nobody will miss a toothbrush or souvenir, what if you leave behind your keys?

That's where DB Locksmiths comes in. We're available 24/7 to offer emergency locksmith services in Bristol and Bath to get you through your front door when you're locked out. Our expert locksmiths always perform thorough ownership or tenancy checks to ensure we're letting the right person in, so you can have confidence in our service.

Contact us today for emergency locksmith services or uPVC window and door repair or replacement, and enjoy your holiday with confidence.