As the summer holiday approaches and temperatures rise, many families in Burton and South Derbyshire will be looking forward to a carefree getaway.

However, leaving your home unoccupied for too long is a concern for any homeowner. Shockingly, there was an estimated 685,000 cases of domestic burglary reported across the country in 2016.

A leading locksmith company has issued advice to homeowners in the area on how to keep their homes safe and secure when going away on holiday.

With 529 reports of theft being recorded in Burton between January 2016 and January 2017, the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) has shared top tips on how to safeguard your home from burglars when embarking on a much-needed summer vacation.

Homeowners are encouraged to check all doors and windows are securely locked and all locks are fitted and functioning, a necessary requirement for claiming insurance.

Store all valuables such as jewellery, tablets and other gadgets which could attract an opportunist thief, out of sight. Better still, lock them in a professionally specified and installed safe.

Follow these tips to keep your home secure
Follow these tips to keep your home secure

Timed outdoor lighting can deter a burglar as they are more likely to be spotted by neighbours, while tools, ladders or other objects can be used to break into your home, so it’s important to ensure they are stored out of sight in well-secured sheds.

CCTV can be remotely monitored, allowing you to keep an eye on your property from wherever you are in the world via the internet. You can check upon your property using your laptop, tablet or smartphone.

It’s a good idea to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour, friend or relative and ask them to pop in a couple of times a week to check your property. You could also ask them if they want to park their car on your drive to prevent the house from looking unoccupied.

It’s important to have a great time on holiday and take lots of photos, but try not to post about it on social media. Advertising the fact you’ve gone away only promotes your empty home to thieves, making it a prime target for burglary.

A spokesperson for Derbyshire Police said: “The best thing to do is make sure that it looks like someone is home. If you can, arrange for a relative, trusted friend or neighbour to look after your house. Ask them to open and close your curtains and to collect any post while you are away."

Derbyshire Police's top tips for protecting your home:

  • Cancel any milk, newspaper or other deliveries.
  • Cut the lawn and trim back bushes and plants so they don’t look so over grown when you’re away.
  • If you’re away for a long period, speak to Royal Mail about their ‘keep safe’ services, they will keep your mail for up to two months.
  • Avoid discussing travel plans where strangers may over hear about your absence from home.
  • If you normally keep valuable bicycles or other items in your shed, consider storing them in the house.
  • Make sure you are up-to-date with contents and buildings insurance.