Henshalls News

Shropshire holidaymakers who are planning a summer getaway must take steps to protect their homes while they're away.

Tony Conlon, from Henshalls Insurance Brokers in Newport and Shrewsbury, said just a few simple measures could make all the difference in keeping a property safe and secure.

"Make sure you tell a neighbour or friend that you're going away, and ask them to keep an eye on your house - they should also collect the post and open and close curtains at varying times of the day.

"Encourage a neighbour to park on your drive too, and remember to cancel milk and newspaper deliveries."

Tony said it was important to lock all external doors and windows, and set any burglar alarm systems, as well as keeping all valuables out of sight.

"A timer switch to turn lights on during the evenings is also a wise investment, and can act as a real deterrent if someone suspects your property may be empty."

He said garden security should also be considered, with any valuable garden equipment or tools locked safely away.

"If you don't have someone who can monitor your postal deliveries in your absence, Royal Mail offer a Keepsafe service where they can withhold your post for up to two months and deliver it when you return.

"And you can also protect your home by not writing your address on your luggage labels when you make your outbound trip.

"You should only fill them in before your return journey as it would be easy for someone to spot your address details in the departure hall and know they had an opportunity to target your home.

"Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves who take a chance, and reassuringly Shropshire has relatively low crime levels, but taking a few sensible precautions can help keep your property safe, even when you're out of the country."