Overview
- Home security specialist Matthew Lake of Guardian Safe And Vault outlined the risks in guidance published on December 3 by the Mirror, Express and Liverpool Echo.
- He warns that unchanging lighting patterns are a giveaway, as lights left constantly on or off suggest no one is there to adjust them.
- Overflowing post, leaflets, newspapers and unattended parcels signal a prolonged absence that opportunistic thieves may notice.
- He recommends using smart bulbs or timers to vary lighting schedules and requesting temporary holds on mail through the Post Office.
- He advises arranging secure parcel options or neighbour collection and asking someone to mow lawns or clear snow to maintain a lived‑in look.