Homes are most exposed when they are obviously empty. A few steps before you leave make a big difference.
Before you go
- Check that every exterior door locks fully, including the garage-to-house and side doors.
- Secure patio doors with a bar or pin and check the latch engages.
- Collect any spare keys hidden outside.
- If you are unsure who holds keys, consider a rekey before the trip.
Look lived-in
- Use timers on lamps in different rooms.
- Ask a neighbour to collect mail and parcels, or pause delivery.
- Arrange snow clearing in winter; untouched snow is a clear signal.
- Avoid posting travel details publicly until you are back.
Access for helpers
If someone needs to check the home, a keypad or smart lock with a temporary code is safer than hiding a key. Delete the code when you return.
If something happens
Leave a trusted contact with your itinerary, your alarm company's number and a 24/7 locksmith's number. After a break-in, photograph damage before repairs, report to police and keep invoices for your insurer.
Our Toronto service operates 24/7: break-in repair.
Make the house look lived-in
Use timers on lights, ask a neighbour to park in the driveway now and then and keep curtains in their normal position. Avoid leaving notes or unusual signs at the door.
Give access safely
If someone is watering plants or feeding pets, give them a temporary code or a key that you can retrieve. Do not hide a key outside. Ask them to call you before they enter if anything looks wrong.
After a problem
Photograph any damage, contact the police and insurer, and arrange a temporary repair. See vacation security checklist and prompt door repair.
A short checklist to print
Lights on timers. Mail held. Garage remote out of the car. Spare key with a trusted person, not hidden outside. Alarm code shared only if needed. Neighbour told. Doors photographed. Insurance details saved on your phone. Ticking each item takes ten minutes and covers most of what matters before a trip.