Leaving Town? Why Vacant Homes Are a Target
Vacations are one of the most common times for residential break-ins.
It’s not because homes are less secure. It’s because they’re more predictable.
An empty driveway, lights that never change, packages sitting at the door, or a lawn that hasn’t been touched all signal the same thing: no one is home. For someone looking for an opportunity, that’s often enough.
The goal of vacation security isn’t to make your home impenetrable. It’s to make it look occupied, reduce easy access, and ensure someone is responding if something does happen.
Before You Leave: Set the System Up Properly
Most homeowners arm their system before leaving, but a quick check can make a meaningful difference.
Walk through the house and confirm every sensor is working. Batteries that were fine a few months ago may be getting low, and it’s better to deal with that before you leave than while you’re away.
It’s also important to review your contact list. If your monitoring provider needs to reach someone, make sure they have the right order of contacts and that at least one person is local and able to respond if needed.
If your system includes cellular communication, confirm that it’s active. If your internet connection goes down while you’re away, cellular is what keeps the system connected.Â
Make the Home Look Lived-In
One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to make your home appear occupied.
This doesn’t require anything complicated, but it does require some variation.
- Use lighting schedules that change slightly each day instead of turning on and off at the exact same time
- If you have motorized blinds, open and close them based on a typical daily routine
- Consider running a TV or radio for short periods in the evening using a smart plug
- Keep exterior lighting consistent so the property looks maintained
These small details make a home feel active rather than vacant.
Manage Deliveries and Exterior Activity
Packages left on a doorstep for multiple days are one of the clearest indicators that a home is empty.
If possible, pause deliveries or have them redirected. If that’s not an option, having someone collect them regularly makes a noticeable difference.
A doorbell camera can also add an extra layer of visibility. If someone approaches the door, you can receive an alert and, if needed, communicate through two-way audio. Even a brief interaction is often enough to discourage someone from staying.
Let the Right People Know
A few simple notifications can go a long way.
Your monitoring provider should be aware that you’re away. This allows them to adjust how alerts are handled and ensures they don’t rely on you being immediately available.
A trusted neighbour is also one of the most effective forms of security. Someone who can walk by, bring in packages, and notice anything unusual provides a level of awareness that technology alone can’t replace.
What’s just as important is what not to do. Posting travel plans publicly or sharing real-time updates can unintentionally advertise that the home is empty.
What Happens If Something Goes Wrong
Even with the right preparation, incidents can still happen. The difference is how quickly they’re addressed.
A monitored system ensures that if a sensor is triggered, someone is reviewing the event immediately. If it’s verified as a real issue, the appropriate response is initiated without waiting for you to notice an alert.
This is especially important when you’re in a different time zone, out of cell range, or simply not checking your phone regularly.
Without monitoring, the system depends entirely on you. With monitoring, there is always someone actively watching.
If you’re planning time away and want to make sure your home is properly protected, a quick system review can help identify any gaps. At Security ONE, we assess your setup, confirm everything is working as expected, and recommend simple adjustments that improve coverage while you’re gone. Contact us to schedule a no-obligation security assessment before your next trip.Â
