Going Away This Summer? The CCTV Checklist Burglars Hope You’ll Forget

Whilst most holidays pass without incident, unoccupied properties can present an opportunity for opportunistic criminals, particularly if it’s obvious that nobody is home.

The good news is that preparing your home doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple checks before you leave can make a significant difference to your home’s security and your peace of mind.

As experienced CCTV installers, we’ve helped homeowners protect properties of every size. Whilst every home is different, there are some common mistakes we regularly see before people head off on holiday.

Here’s our summer CCTV and home security checklist to help ensure your property is protected while you’re away.

Why Summer Holidays Can Increase Security Risks

Most burglaries aren’t carefully planned weeks in advance. Instead, many are crimes of opportunity.

An overflowing postbox, bins left out for days, closed curtains in the middle of summer or an empty driveway can all suggest that a property has been left unattended.

That’s why preparation matters.

A visible, well-maintained home CCTV system, combined with a few sensible security measures, can help make your property appear occupied and significantly less appealing to opportunistic criminals.

1. Check Every Camera Before You Leave

It sounds obvious, but many homeowners assume their CCTV system is working because it was installed months or even years ago.

Before travelling, take a few minutes to:

• View each camera individually.
• Check image quality.
• Clean any dirt, cobwebs or debris from the lenses.
• Confirm night vision is working correctly.
• Make sure no branches or plants are blocking the view.

A camera covered in dirt or pointing at overgrown hedges won’t provide useful footage if you need it.

2. Test Your Remote Viewing App

One of the biggest advantages of modern home CCTV is the ability to check your property from anywhere.

Before leaving:

• Open your CCTV app.
• Confirm you can view live footage.
• Test notifications.
• Check playback works correctly.

It’s far better to discover a connection issue before boarding your flight than whilst you’re sitting on a beach hundreds of miles away.

3. Make Sure Your Cameras Cover the Right Areas

Many people focus entirely on the front door.

Whilst that’s an important location, experienced installers know there are often other vulnerable access points.

Before leaving, consider whether your CCTV covers:

• Front entrance
• Driveway
• Rear garden
• Side gates
• Garage
• Outbuildings

If a burglar avoids your front door entirely, will your cameras still capture them?

4. Check Your Recording Storage

Your cameras may appear to be working perfectly, but are they actually recording?

Take a moment to confirm:

• Storage isn’t full.
• Recording schedules are active.
• Motion detection is functioning correctly.
• Cloud subscriptions (if applicable) are up to date.

There’s little value in having cameras if there’s no footage available when you need it most.

5. Don’t Forget About Lighting

CCTV works best when combined with other security measures.

Motion-activated lighting remains one of the simplest ways to improve visibility around your home.

Good lighting can:

• Improve camera image quality.
• Reduce dark hiding places.
• Draw attention to movement.
• Act as an additional deterrent.

Avoid leaving lights on continuously, as this can quickly become predictable.

6. Make Your Home Look Occupied

Security isn’t just about cameras.

Small details can help create the impression that somebody is home.

Consider:

• Using timer switches on lamps.
• Asking a neighbour to move bins.
• Arranging for someone to collect post.
• Parking a vehicle on the driveway if possible.

These simple steps complement your home CCTV system by reducing obvious signs that the property is empty.

7. Be Careful What You Share Online

It’s tempting to post holiday photos whilst you’re away.

However, publicly announcing that your home is empty can unintentionally advertise an opportunity. If possible, wait until you return before sharing holiday updates publicly.

Your memories will still be there, but your home’s security won’t have been compromised.

8. Lock More Than Just the Front Door

Before leaving, walk around your property.

Check:

• Windows
• Side gates
• Garage doors
• Garden sheds
• Patio doors

Many break-ins occur through less obvious entry points rather than the main entrance.

Your CCTV system should complement good physical security, not replace it.

Why Professional CCTV Installation Makes a Difference

Professional CCTV installation isn’t simply about mounting cameras on walls. It involves assessing the property, identifying vulnerable access points, and positioning cameras to provide the best possible coverage.

Small changes in camera angle or placement can make a significant difference to the quality of footage and the overall effectiveness of the system.

For homeowners who travel regularly, ensuring cameras are positioned correctly can provide valuable reassurance throughout the year.

Final Thoughts

Summer should be about relaxing, not worrying about what’s happening at home.

By taking a little time to check your home CCTV system before you leave, you can enjoy your holiday knowing your property is better protected.

Simple actions such as testing remote access, checking recording settings, cleaning camera lenses and making your home appear occupied all contribute to a stronger overall security strategy.

No security system can eliminate risk completely, but good preparation makes a real difference.

Whether you’re away for a weekend or several weeks, a well-maintained CCTV system remains one of the most effective ways to monitor your property, deter opportunistic crime and provide peace of mind until you return home.