Summer is finally here! It’s the perfect time to get away and relax. But while you’re enjoying your break, opportunist burglars are looking for empty houses. Properties sitting vacant for a week or two across Preston, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, and Chorley can look like ideal targets. Here’s some great news: a few simple checks before you go can make a huge difference.
I Have A Lock is a local Preston family locksmith business with a 5-star reputation. We are here to help you secure your home. Istvan recommends this straightforward checklist before your holiday or any extended time away.
1. Give Every External Lock a Test
Has your front or back door lock been sticky lately? Maybe it’s been difficult to engage for a few weeks. Don’t leave for two weeks hoping things will be fine. That worn or faulty lock is a real security risk. It’s also something quick and easy for us to sort out.
In Preston and Bamber Bridge, lock repairs and replacements are usually completed in just one visit. Why travel knowing your door is giving you trouble?
2. Fully Lock Your UPVC Doors (Don’t Just Close Them!)
Istvan often finds UPVC doors in Bamber Bridge and Preston that have been pulled shut but not properly locked. This is a common mistake. Closing the door is very different from locking it.
The multi-point system only engages when you lift the handle and turn the key. If you just pull the door shut, it sits on the latch. This offers almost no resistance to a forced entry. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to lock up before you leave.
3. Hide Those Spare Keys
Leaving a key under the mat or near the letterbox is an open invitation for trouble. Thieves look for these spots. If a trusted neighbour is holding a spare while you are away, hand it to them directly. Don’t hide it anywhere near the property.
4. Double-Check Back Doors, Patios, and Gates
Burglars in Preston and Bamber Bridge often choose back doors and patio doors as their entry point. This is crucial. Check that all multi-point locks are fully engaged. Make sure patio door mechanisms are working perfectly. Any gate giving easy access to the back of your home must be locked when you are away.
5. Secure Sheds and Garages
Your outbuildings and garages are a concern. They often hold tools that a burglar could use to break into your main house. Ensure your padlocks are solid and the hasps are secured properly. Lock your garage doors completely, don’t just pull them down.
6. Stay Quiet on Social Media
Posting holiday photos in real time is risky. It tells everyone that your home is sitting empty right now. Save those great pictures for when you are safely back home.
7. Ask a Neighbour for Help
One of the best, most affordable deterrents is a trusted neighbour. They can put out your bins and collect your post. Varying the look of your property is key. An uncollected parcel or overflowing letterbox is a clear signal that nobody is home.
8. Think About an Anti-Snap Cylinder Upgrade
Do you have a standard euro cylinder on your front door? Upgrading it before your trip is a very smart decision. Lock snapping is the most common burglary technique against UPVC doors in Preston and Bamber Bridge. A standard cylinder can be bypassed in seconds. Our anti-snap cylinders are specifically designed to stop this method completely.
Istvan can fit anti-snap cylinders across Preston, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, Chorley, and Longridge. Call him for a quick, no-obligation quote.
Want a Quick Security Check?
If you are unsure about your home’s security, give us a shout. I Have A Lock offers free, no-obligation quotes and security advice. We cover all of Preston, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, Chorley, and Longridge.
Call or WhatsApp Istvan on 07868 080887 or email ihavealock@gmail.com
We promise: No call-out fee. No hidden charges. Just honest, local locksmith advice.
I Have A Lock is a local Preston family business with a 5-star reputation. We are based in Bamber Bridge, Preston, and cover Preston, Bamber Bridge, Leyland, Chorley, Longridge, and surrounding areas. Istvan is fully qualified, DBS checked, and fully insured.