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Holiday security before you go...

A good holiday should be relaxing and stress-free, but to truly unwind you'll need to know that your home will be safe and secure while you are away.

Follow the steps below to give yourself peace of mind - and a better chance of enjoying your time away.

• Ask a good friend or neighbour to help you keep your home safe and secure whilst you are away. Alternatively, consider using the services of Homesitters (NB: NFU Mutual Special Reserve policy holders benefit from a 5% premium reduction if they use Homesitters - www.homesitters.co.uk)
• Leave clear instructions and a holiday contact number in case of an emergency.
• If possible, cancel all milk and newspaper deliveries before you leave.
• If you are concerned about cancelling deliveries, consider offering your friend or neighbour free milk or newspapers for the period you are away!
• The period just prior to your holiday is a good time to make a list of all the valuable items in your home and check that your home contents insurance is up-to-date.
• Mark valuable items with your postcode using an approved property marking kit or data-tag and keep a record, including photographs, where necessary.
• Leave valuable items of jewellery in a house-safe or in a safety deposit box at your bank.
• Close, lock and bolt all exterior doors and windows.
• Fit proper security locks to your garage and garden shed and make sure all equipment and tools are locked away.
• Lock and bolt your garden gates.
• Do not leave ladders around your property - lock them away or secure them with a close-lock padlock and heavy-duty chain.
• Cut the lawns.
• Try to make your home look occupied. Don't leave the curtains closed and consider investing in some automatic time switches for lights and perhaps a radio or television in a downstairs room.
• Consider asking a friend or neighbour to take in your post and draw the curtains at night. You could also ask them to park their car on your drive.
• House-sitters are becoming increasingly popular but make sure you go to a reputable company or act on the personal recommendation of a friend.
• If you have a burglar alarm, make sure it is set and that you have left a key and instructions with someone you trust.
• If it's winter, leave your heating to come on twice a day on a low thermostat setting.
• Prop the loft hatch open to allow heat to enter the roof space.

At the airport

• Don't put your home address on your outward-bound luggage - this part of your luggage tag can be completed, as you are packing to come home.
• Consider putting an extra padlock on your suitcases to deter would-be thieves - but make sure you know where you've put the key!
• If you suspect your baggage has been tampered with, report the incident immediately - making a list of any valuables you have packed will help you check your belongings.

While you are away...

A holiday is a time for relaxing and getting away from it all. Unfortunately, one of the things which does not go away is the risk of being targeted by thieves, particularly as most people are less vigilant whilst on holiday.

Having your passport, money or valuables stolen can ruin your holiday, so follow our simple guidelines and make sure you don't give thieves the chance.

• Never leave your baggage unattended in the airport terminal.
• Make it difficult for pickpockets. Carry your purse or wallet in a fastened inside pocket or bum-bag - never in your back pocket!
• Divide your cash and credit cards so they can be carried in two different places, reducing the risk of having everything stolen.
• Carry your passport only when necessary - otherwise leave it locked in a safety deposit box.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Credit and debit cards are much safer and can be replaced.
• Consider using Travellers' Cheques when travelling abroad. Unlike cash, they can be replaced if they are lost or stolen.
• Choose a handbag that can be securely fastened and carry it close to your person.
• Never leave it unattended!
• Be particularly vigilant when using ATM machines or leaving the bank or foreign exchange bureau.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and keep an eye on your personal belongings. Remember that you are less alert when you are tired!
• Familiarise yourself with your surroundings and take advice from the local tourist information office or your holiday representative about any areas you should avoid.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings whilst eating, drinking or making a purchase in a shop.
• Choose a place where your children or other members of your family can be re-united if you become separated. This should be somewhere busy and easily recognisable, like a police station or post office.
• Consider investing in a strong nylon shopping bag in which you can carry all your purchases. Carrier bags from expensive stores or jewellers are more likely to be targeted by thieves and carrying lots of bags may make you more vulnerable.
• Hire a safety deposit box or use the hotel safe and keep money, passports, tickets and valuables in it.
• Don't leave safety deposit box keys in your room.
• Always lock all doors when you go out and don't leave balcony doors or other windows open.
• Finally, enjoy your holiday!

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