Blog Post

Holiday security

Simon Gabriel • June 20, 2016

Locks, alarms, lights - HOLIDAY!

Come home to a safe home after enjoying your holiday

Holidays, the time of year when we go away to feel relaxed, the last thing we want is to come back and find a mess. It’s easy to avoid if we all take a moment out of the rush to get ready, just to make sure all points in the home are secure.

We have seen many an after burglary where the uncomfortable mess could easily have been avoided by spending 10 minutes doing a security survey. We ask you, what’s quicker, 10 minute security check or days of cancelling cards and speaking to insurance companies?

In this post we will advise of the main checkpoints and extra measures of security that can be taken to ensure your home is safe when you get back.

Doors - Sounds simple doesn’t it? Make sure every door that can be locked in the house is locked, whether it be bedroom door, back door, or the little door to the storage. The main doors are obvious, but if there are 2 or 3 locks on a door, lock them all. Doors that have a Night-latch (Top lock) can most times be double locked, don’t just let it close, lock it too. Deadbolts that can be double locked should be double locked, it only takes an extra second. UPVC Door? Lift the handle, ensure all the hooks, bolts and rollers are engaged, then lock.

Windows - Close tightly and bolt shut. If you have sash windows and they don’t have bolts, we advise having a professional come out and fit some. Best security for the windows is a key’d-bolt from the inside going into the frame or adjacent window. UPVC window handles should be fully turned and locked, double checking windows will only take a few minutes.

Internal doors – Now we know this may sound a bit pointless, if the front door is locked and everything else is locked, why bother you ask? Easy, let’s just say that the absolute worst happens – a window is broken and the burglars manage to gain access. Should the internal doors be locked, this will make their lives much harder, they need more time to get through the house and they may even be locked in the room they break into. This keeps the damage to a minimum in the worst case scenario.

Alarm systems – If you have one, use it. Alarms deter burglars, the sight of the alarm from outside and the noise cuts their burglary short. Burglars will avoid a house with an alarm fitted as it’s easier to just go the neighbour who doesn’t have one.

Lights - Lights, TV, Radio. If you can set the TV and lights to come on and different intervals of the day and night, you’re set. A time switch will do the job, inexpensive and different appliances can be set to go on at different hours of the night/ day. If you have neighbours you trust, ask them to pop in every few days to turn a light on or off and play with the curtains. Opening the curtains halfway is also a good idea, closing them and leaving them closed for the extent of the holiday is a bad idea, it’s an obvious giveaway that the house is empty and just makes it easier for the burglars, curtains closed = no one can see them.

Keys – Spare keys, it’s always a good idea to make sure that any spare keys that have been given out to friends or family for safekeeping are accounted for. With an extended or even short holiday on the books it’s best to know who has your keys. Spare keys shouldn’t be left in the house when you’re out, if they are do your best to hide them in a safe location. At least if someone does manage to make it in, they won’t make it out through the front/ back door.

Last but not least, make sure someone near your home that you trust has a spare key while you’re away. This means they can check on your property, and if you happen to misplace your key while holidaying you can just pop by to pick them up on your way home.

Happy travels, and safe holidays!


By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Getting locked out is never fun — but if you're in Clapham , help is just a call away. Whether it’s late at night or first thing in the morning, SMS Locksmith offers fast, reliable locksmith services throughout Clapham with no call-out charges and 30-minute average response times . Step 1: Don’t Panic We know it’s stressful, especially if it’s cold or you have somewhere to be. Try to stay calm and check for any open windows or alternative entry points (safely, of course). Step 2: Avoid DIY Entry Trying to force the lock or use makeshift tools can damage your door – and cost you more in the long run. Always leave it to a professional. Step 3: Call a Local Clapham Locksmith We’re based nearby and can usually be with you in under 30 minutes. Our experienced technicians use non-destructive methods wherever possible to get you back inside quickly and safely. Step 4: Consider a Security Upgrade If your lockout was due to a lost or stolen key, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading your locks. We offer a full range of British Standard and high-security locks. Need help right now? Visit our Clapham Locksmith page or call us directly for immediate assistance.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
When you’re locked out, you need help fast – but who do you call? It might be tempting to ring the first number you find online, often a national call centre , but choosing a local locksmith can make all the difference. The Problem with National Call Centres Big national firms often outsource work to subcontractors. That means long wait times, unclear pricing, and poor communication. You might end up paying more for a job done with less care. Why Local Locksmiths Are Better 1. Faster Response Times A local locksmith like SMS Locksmith is nearby and can often be with you in under 30 minutes . 2. Transparent Pricing We don’t believe in hidden fees or inflated charges. What we quote is what you pay. 3. Personal Service You're not just a ticket number – we care about your safety and satisfaction. Our locksmiths are local, polite, and highly experienced. 4. Local Knowledge We know the area, the types of doors and locks common in homes, and how best to secure them. Whether you’re in Worcester Park , Twickenham , Chelsea , or Clapham , we’ve got your area covered.  Next time you need a locksmith, go local. Choose SMS Locksmith for expert service and complete peace of mind.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Feeling safe in your own home is non-negotiable. Whether you live near Twickenham Green or closer to the stadium, basic home security steps can go a long way in preventing break-ins. As your trusted Twickenham locksmith , we’ve put together a quick checklist to help you protect your property. Check All Entry Points Burglars often look for easy access through back doors, garages or windows. Make sure all entry points are fitted with quality locks – and don’t forget your shed or side gate . Upgrade to British Standard Locks Many older locks don’t meet insurance standards. Our Twickenham locksmiths can upgrade your locks to British Standard quickly and affordably. Don’t Hide Keys Outside That flower pot or fake rock is the first place a burglar will look. Avoid hiding spare keys outdoors. Instead, consider a secure key safe or trusted neighbour. Install Outdoor Lighting Motion-activated lights are a simple but effective deterrent – and they also make it safer when returning home after dark. Book a Security Check If you’re unsure where to start, we offer free security assessments across Twickenham. We’ll point out vulnerabilities and offer affordable fixes. Want help securing your home? Contact our expert Twickenham locksmith team today.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea , where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make. Whether you’ve just moved in or simply want to feel more secure, here are the top 5 reasons to consider a lock upgrade. 1. You’ve Just Moved In Even if the previous owner handed over all the keys, you can never be sure who else has a copy. Lock replacement ensures that only you have access to your new Chelsea home. 2. Your Current Locks Aren’t Insurance Approved Many insurers require locks that meet British Standard BS3621. If your current locks don’t comply, it could invalidate your insurance in the event of a break-in. 3. You've Experienced a Break-In or Attempted Entry After a burglary or even an attempted one, upgrading your locks is essential. We recommend anti-snap and high-security locks that resist drilling, picking, and bumping. 4. Peace of Mind Simply put – upgraded locks help you sleep better at night. Knowing that your home is secure with robust, professionally fitted locks offers lasting peace of mind. Need help upgrading your locks in Chelsea? Visit our Chelsea Locksmith page and get in touch today for expert advice and quick service.
By Simon Gabriel April 9, 2025
Security is essential no matter where you live, but in areas like Chelsea, where properties are often high-value, updating your locks is one of the smartest investments you can make.
April 1, 2025
A burglary can be terrifying if you have never experienced one. You may first see damage to your doors, locks, and windows, causing the worst thoughts to come to your head. Then, when you investigate the situation, you realize a burglar has damaged and stolen property in your home or business. What do you do in this situation? Here are the top four things to do after a burglary occurs on your property. 1) Contact the Local Authorities The first thing to do is contact your local police to notify them of the burglary. They will send patrol or uniformed officers to your home or business to question you about the incident. If you believe a burglar may still be in your home or business after discovering evidence of a potential burglary, do not attempt to engage them. Otherwise, you will risk getting injured or killed by engaging with a person who may be dangerous. Secure yourself in a safe location and call the police. Burglars will not usually stick around for very long, especially if they hear police sirens outside. 2) Evaluate Your Belongings Explore your burglarized property once you are sure it is safe. Take inventory of your remaining belongings and create a list of all the missing items. The police must know this information to assist with their investigation and help you recover the stolen items. Make sure you are honest about the stolen items. The police and your insurance company will ask you for the estimated value of each stolen item. Give the best answers possible. 3) Contact Your Insurance Company Notify your home insurance company about the burglary after notifying the police. They will also ask you for the list of stolen items to calculate the value of your claim. Provide any information or documentation requested, including photos, police reports, medical reports, etc. All these things are factors in calculating the highest possible value for your claim. 4) Upgrade or Repair Your Locks The police might not find the burglar for several days or weeks. In fact, they might not find them at all. Either way, do not wait for the next burglar to strike your home or business without taking action to secure your property. A burglar usually damages a door or window lock to gain unlawful entry into a building. If they are successful, the door might have a worn-out or low-grade lock incapable of stopping a standard burglary attempt. If unsuccessful, the door might have a high-grade lock that resisted the attempt. However, the lock could have still suffered damage. After any burglary, the best thing to do is upgrade or repair your door and window locks to ensure your property remains safe. A professional locksmith can evaluate your existing locks to see which ones should be upgraded or repaired to keep you and your property safe.  Contact a Professional Locksmith Do you need to hire a professional locksmith to install or replace the locks in your doors or windows? Call SMS Locksmith at 020-3151-0531 for assistance.
March 10, 2025
The importance of home security and the role of residential locksmith services in ensuring safety
Do I need to change my locks?
February 21, 2025
Changing the locks on your doors may not be something you think about often, but it plays a critical role in securing your home or business.
January 20, 2025
Understanding the Importance of Immediate Action After a Burglary
Show More
Share by: