How to prevent burglary while on vacation? (Practical and modern security tips)
On vacation, you want to relax, not think about what could go wrong at home. Yet, burglaries often increase during holiday periods: empty streets, unoccupied houses, and predictable routines make homes easy targets. Fortunately, with a few smart measures, you can drastically reduce the risk of burglary—from simple rules of conduct to professional security with cameras, alarms, and access control.
In this article I give practical tips that really work, focused on modern security technology instead of clichés like "leave a light on".
1. Don't make your home predictable
Burglars look for patterns: curtains that remain closed for days, no car in the driveway, lights that never change, or a mailbox full of mail.
What you should do:
✔ Ask neighbors to drop by occasionally
✔ Use smart lighting with random timers
✔ Leave curtains hanging in their normal position
✔ No out-of-office or vacation posts on social media until you return
What not to do:
✘ Key under the mat
✘ Note for the parcel delivery person
✘ Same light timers every day
2. Install a good alarm system
An alarm system is one of the most powerful deterrents. Modern systems send alerts to your smartphone, neighbors, family, or even a monitoring center.
Recommendations:
- Ajax Systems (wireless, extremely user-friendly, ideal for homes)
- Dahua / Uniview in combination with camera systems
- Ubiquiti / UniFi for integration with existing network setups
Essential parts:
- Door and window sensors
- Motion detectors inside
- Siren inside and outside
- Panic button in the house (also useful after a holiday)
Tip: Only put the system into test mode when you are at home, never while traveling from the campsite.
3. Provide outdoor detection — prevention is better than detection
Burglars are often on the premises for minutes before they actually force a door open. With outdoor detection, you get early warnings.
Examples:
- Dual-beam IR detectors such as UMA AIR-B60 or AIR-BI100 (universal and easy to connect to Ajax via doorprotect)
- Outdoor PIR cameras with alarm function
- Smart spotlights or cameras with spotlight
→ This way you will receive a notification when someone walks into the garden instead of when they are already inside.
4. Use cameras with local storage (no cloud-only junk)
CCTV surveillance not only helps with detection but also with prevention. However, cheap cloud cameras are risky, especially if you don't know where your footage is stored.
Better:
✔ Cameras with local NVR system
✔ Installation on your own VLAN without internet
✔ Brands with updates and good firmware (Hikvision, Dahua, UniFi Protect, Ajax)
Avoid:
✘ Action/AliExpress no-name cameras
✘ Cloud-only baby cams for security
✘ Port forwarding without VPN
5. Don't just hide stuff — secure access
Many people focus on cameras, but forget the real issue: access.
Smart measures:
- Sturdy cylinder with core pull protection
- Doorbell intercom (e.g. Akuvox / Dahua / Hikvision)
- Magnetic contacts on windows
- Extra locks on sliding doors and back door
Combine that with visible security (sirens, stickers, spotlight cameras) and a burglar will sooner choose another target.
6. Protect valuables indoors
If someone does enter, make sure you limit the damage:
✔ Valuables in a safe
✔ Documents and passports not in the cupboard but safely stored
✔ Tracking on laptops/phones (Find My / MDM)
✔ No keys visible next to the front door (burglary + car theft)
7. Also consider your business belongings at home
Many entrepreneurs have stock, laptops, samples or equipment at home — this increases the risk and the damage.
Examples of what you can do:
- Camera at home office
- Access only through a separate room that can be locked
- Alarm system with additional zones for workspace
- UPS + NAS in a locked cabinet
8. The ultimate holiday checklist
Before departure:
☑ Alarm on + control room or push notifications set
☑ Cameras run locally and have storage
☑ Outside detection enabled
Neighbors informed
☑ Mail collection arranged
☑ Valuable items stored away
☑ Smart lighting schedule set
During holidays:
☑ Don't post where you are
☑ Do not respond to unknown visitors via video doorbell without verification
☑ Monitor system notifications
After vacation:
☑ Temporarily switch off the alarm upon entry
☑ Check logbooks
☑ Review cameras when strange reports are received
You can't prevent burglary during your vacation with just one gadget, but with a complete approach:
➡ visibly secured area
➡ phased detection (outside + inside)
➡ alarm system that really deters
➡ cameras for evidence and surveillance
➡ no predictable signs that you're gone
With modern systems such as Ajax Systems , Hikvision , UniFi Protect and UMA outdoor detection you can protect your home safely and privately — even if you are away for weeks.
