Home Security Myths Busted: What Really Keeps Your Property Safe When You’re on Holiday

Heading off on holiday should be exciting, but many homeowners feel a twinge of worry about leaving their property behind. From outdated advice passed down through generations to half-truths shared online, myths about home security can give a false sense of safety. In this article, we bust the most common holiday security myths and reveal what really works to keep your home secure while you’re away.

Myth 1: “Leaving lights on all week keeps burglars away”

It’s a classic piece of advice — leave a light on when you go away, so it looks like someone’s home. But burglars know better. Static lighting that stays on all night (and all day) can actually signal that nobody is in, especially when paired with drawn curtains.

A smarter approach is to mimic real behaviour. Timed lighting systems let you vary when different lights switch on and off, creating a natural lived-in pattern.

Pair this with motion sensor lights on the outside of your property, and you’ll deter intruders far more effectively than a single lamp glowing round the clock.

Another option is smart lighting. This can be activated remotely any time you like from a smart device, or you can use a time schedule to switch it on at set times.

Myth 2: “Posting holiday snaps online is safe if your account is private”

Many assume that a ‘private’ social media account keeps their posts hidden — but that’s not always true. Criminals can still piece together clues from your online activity.

Metadata embedded in photos can reveal the location and time they were taken, while mutual connections can inadvertently share your updates more widely than you intended.

The safest habit is to post after you return. That way, you can share memories without signalling that your property is currently empty.

For more on this growing risk, see our guide on the home security risks of sharing your holiday on social media.

Myth 3: “Hide your spare key in the garden”

Whether it’s under the doormat, inside a plant pot or tucked behind a brick, burglars know all the classic hiding spots. Leaving a spare key outside might feel like a convenient solution should someone you know need to access your property in an emergency — but it’s also one of the oldest tricks in the book for intruders.

Instead, opt for safer alternatives. A trusted neighbour can hold a spare key and keep an eye on your property, or you could invest in a secure, police-approved key safe. Both options keep your home accessible in an emergency without handing burglars an easy way in.

Myth 4: “My alarm system will handle everything”

A good intruder alarm system is a strong deterrent — but it’s not a silver bullet. Alarms typically activate once an intruder is already inside, but on their own, they don’t stop a determined burglar from gaining access in the first place.

True protection comes from a layered approach. High-quality locks, reinforced doors and windows, CCTV and even neighbourly vigilance all play a role in preventing break-ins before they happen.

Combine these physical barriers with a fully integrated smart home security, remote monitoring and automation system, and you’ll have a much more robust line of defence.

Myth 5: “A few days away doesn’t count as vacant property”

It’s easy to assume your property only counts as ‘vacant’ if it’s left empty for weeks. In reality, even a short holiday can make your home vulnerable if it’s clearly unoccupied. Overflowing post, uncollected deliveries, and a dark, lifeless façade are all tell-tale signs for burglars.

Simple steps like asking a neighbour to clear the letterbox, pausing deliveries, and keeping blinds or curtains at lived-in levels can make all the difference.

For longer breaks or second homes, consider more advanced solutions — from remote monitoring to smart locks and video doorbells.

For more insight into protecting vacant property, read our blog on securing vacant property with practical tips and new technologies.

Keep your home truly secure this holiday season

Myths may offer comfort, but they won’t keep your property safe while you’re away. By relying on proven strategies rather than outdated advice, you’ll enjoy peace of mind and a far stronger defence against opportunistic burglars.

At Barry Bros Security, we’ve spent decades helping homeowners secure their properties with tailored solutions.

Whether you need upgraded locks, a monitored alarm, or advice on safeguarding a vacant property, we’re here to help. Get in touch to book a home security review today so you can travel with confidence, knowing your home is properly protected. You can also visit our London showroom for face-to-face advice.