As a holiday home owner, you naturally want to ensure that your property is optimally protected and that your guests enjoy a carefree, safe stay. Since holiday homes and apartments are vacant more often than regular homes, they unfortunately carry a higher risk of burglary. But with the right measures, you can effectively protect your property and give your guests peace of mind during their stay. We have put together 10 valuable tips for you to optimally protect your holiday flat or holiday home from burglary!
1. Secure doors and windows
Burglars often use unsecured doors and windows as entry points. Make sure that all doors are equipped with burglar-proof door locks. Multi-point locks or security locks that comply with DIN standards are recommended. A modern alternative is smart locks, which work with an individual numerical code. Please remember to change this immediately after each guest stay. Windows should be fitted with lockable handles or additional window security devices such as security films to make them more difficult to lever open.
2. Remove potential aids to burglary
If ladders, tools or garden furniture are left lying around unsecured, this makes it easier for burglars to gain access. Store these items safely and out of reach of other people so that you do not inadvertently provide burglars with climbing aids or tools for breaking in.
3. Erecting property boundaries
A well-planned privacy screen can deter potential burglars. High fences, hedges or walls can serve as a first barrier by making access to the holiday home more difficult and reducing visibility from the outside. However, make sure that the privacy screen does not provide hiding places for burglars.
4. Install outdoor lighting with motion detectors
Outdoor lighting with motion detectors is a simple and cost-effective way to deter burglars. It is best to install motion detectors strategically in areas such as entrances, patios or garden paths.
5. Install CCTV and alarm system
Clearly visible cameras or alarm systems often have a preventive effect and deter burglars in advance. At the same time, they can of course provide valuable recordings in an emergency. Make sure that the camera recordings are stored. It is best to choose a professional alarm system that triggers an acoustic alarm in the event of a break-in attempt, notifies you and, if necessary, even makes an emergency call directly.
6. Utilise smart home technology
With smart home solutions, you can simulate the presence of guests by, for example, automatically controlling lights or shutters at specific times. This gives the impression that the flat is occupied, even when it is empty.
Install a wireless doorbell
A smart doorbell with a camera allows you to see visitors in real time and communicate with them, even when you are not at home. This can deter potential burglars, as they do not know whether anyone is at home or not. Please note: you have a duty to inform your guests about this in accordance with data protection law.
7. Provide a safe for guests
A safe in your holiday home allows your guests to store their valuables securely. This increases their sense of security and protects their property in case of an emergency.
8. Organise neighbourhood assistance
A good relationship with the neighbours of your holiday home can be a great advantage. Ask trustworthy neighbours to keep an eye on your holiday apartment, especially when it is empty.
9. Document access systematically
Keep a digital or analogue log of who has access to the holiday home and when – including cleaning services, tradespeople or other service providers. This allows you to keep track of all key movements and, in case of doubt, trace who was in the holiday home and when. With digital door locks or smart locks, this access control can be done automatically and you receive real-time notifications about access.
10. Take out insurance policies
Despite all precautions, a break-in can never be completely ruled out. The right insurance policies cover potential damage and protect you from financial loss. Find out about special policies for holiday homes, such as landlord's liability insurance, contents insurance and building insurance.
These measures will help you protect your holiday home as best as possible, even though burglary can never be completely ruled out.
Are you interested in further optimisation options for security in your holiday home? Then take a look at our article Security measures for your holiday home.
