Your Holiday Security Guide: How to Protect Your Home

Heading off on a well-deserved summer break should feel exciting — not stressful. But if you’ve ever had that uneasy feeling about leaving your home empty, you’re not alone.

Across New Zealand, December and January see a genuine spike in break-ins. Burglars know homes are unattended, routines are disrupted, and valuables are often left out in the open.

The good news? A few smart security steps and the right safe, can dramatically reduce your risk and protect the things that matter most while you’re away.

This guide cuts the jargon and keeps things practical, with a clear focus on securing your valuables properly.

Start with the Basics: Secure the Property

Before you think about smart tech or alarms, physical security comes first. Most burglars are opportunists. They look for easy access points and unsecured items.

Lock and check every entry point

Take a slow walk around your home and double-check:

• Exterior doors and windows - including upstairs

• Sheds and garages

• Side gates and service entrances

• Basements or under-house access

• Small bathroom or laundry windows

You’d be surprised how small a gap someone can squeeze through.

Upgrade weak door hardware

If you’re still relying on basic door locks, it may be time for an upgrade. Deadbolts, reinforced frames and secure strike plates make a significant difference.

For sliding doors - very common in NZ homes - use a security bar or a dowel in the track to prevent forced entry.

Secure Your Valuables Properly

This is where a quality home safe becomes essential. If someone does get inside, the goal is to stop them from accessing anything valuable.

Drawers, bedside tables and filing cabinets are always the first places intruders look.

Choose a safe that can’t be carried away

Look for:

• Fire and burglary protection

• Bolt-down capability

• Appropriate size and internal layout

• Insurance-approved certification where required

Items that should ALWAYS be stored in your safe while you’re away:

• Passports and identity documents

• Jewellery and watches

• Emergency cash

• Irreplaceable photos and hard drives

• Medications that could be targeted

• Spare keys and car keys

Pro tip: Avoid the obvious locations like the master wardrobe. A utility space or hidden, bolted-down position is much more effective.

Make Your Home Look Lived In

A house that looks empty is an open invitation.

Use lighting strategically

Smart plugs or timers can mimic your normal routine. Randomised lighting in the lounge, hallway or bedrooms makes a big difference.

Motion-activated lights around entrances are also a powerful deterrent.

Tidy the exterior before you go

An overflowing letterbox or overgrown lawn is a clear signal no one’s home.

Before you head away:

• Arrange lawn mowing

• Pause mail and parcel deliveries

• Trim bushes around windows

• Ask a neighbour to park in your driveway occasionally

These small actions go a long way.

Smart Security That Actually Helps

You don’t need a full smart home system — just targeted tools that increase visibility.

Security cameras

Look for:

• Good night vision

• Instant phone alerts

• Cloud storage

• Two-way audio

Position cameras at main doors, side paths and any blind spots.

Video doorbells

These instantly deter opportunistic intruders. Being able to answer your door from anywhere in the world offers a huge advantage.

Sensors worth considering

• Door and window sensors

• Water leak sensors

• Temperature monitors

• Smoke/heat alarms (make sure they’re working before you go)

Your Neighbours Matter More Than You Think

A trusted neighbour is often the best security measure you’ll have.

Let them know:

• When you’ll be away

• Who (if anyone) may legitimately visit your home

• How to reach you

• Whether they should report any movement

Just avoid broadcasting your holiday publicly on social media. Save the posts for when you’re home.

Check Your Insurance & Emergency Plan

Before you leave, take five minutes to review your insurance policy. Some policies specify minimum security requirements if you're away for an extended period.

Have a simple emergency document prepared with:

• Insurance provider details

• Security provider contacts

• Trusted local contacts

• Access instructions if someone needs to enter the home

Email it to yourself and store it in your phone.

Don’t Forget Fire and Water Risks

Burglary isn’t the only threat while you’re away.

Fire safety tips

• Test smoke alarms

• Unplug non-essential appliances

• Clear clutter from around heat sources

• Avoid leaving outdoor lights running constantly

Water damage prevention

NZ’s summer storms can cause havoc.

• Clean gutters

• Identify your mains water shutoff

• Install water leak sensors near high-risk appliances

• Ensure good drainage around your property

Final Night Checklist

Before you lock the door and head off:

• All doors and windows secured

• Valuables safely stored in a proper bolted-down safe

• Timers and lights set

• Mail paused or collected

• Neighbours notified

• Security system tested

• Appliances unplugged

• Social media privacy checked

Enjoy Your Holiday With Confidence

No security system is perfect - but layers of protection make all the difference. A safe adds a critical line of defence, ensuring that even if someone gets inside, your valuables stay protected.

If you're ready to upgrade your home security, Challenger Safes provides industry-leading, insurance-approved safes with expert guidance and installation across New Zealand.

Your holiday should be relaxing.
Your valuables should be secure.
With the right planning - and the right safe - they are.