How to Protect Your Home While You’re Away: Vacation Security Tips for Virginia Homeowners

Written By Brian Curry

Family leaving for vacation

TL;DR:

Going on vacation? Your home’s more vulnerable to break-ins, package theft, and fire when it’s unoccupied. In Virginia, property crimes and porch piracy increase in warmer months. This article gives you expert safety tips—like securing entry points, installing smart tech, and scheduling check-ins. A professional security consultant can assess your home, recommend the best systems, and set you up for worry-free travel.

Before your next trip, let us help you protect what matters.




Going on vacation should be about relaxation—not worrying what’s happening at home. But homes are especially vulnerable when left unoccupied. In Virginia, with rising package thefts and burglaries during warmer months, every homeowner should take proactive steps. In this post, we’ll walk through key risks, practical tips, and how working with a security consultant like us can give you real peace of mind.

The Risk Landscape: What the Data Says

  • In the U.S., about 2.5 million burglaries occur annually across residential properties. Safetouch Security Systems |+1

  • Burglaries tend to spike during summer months, increasing by roughly 10% between June and August. Vigilante Security+2Ackerman Security Systems+2

  • Many break-ins happen during daytime—between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.—when homes are more likely to be vacant. VYRD+2Safe and Sound Security+2

  • Of growing concern: package thefts (aka “porch piracy”). In the U.S., millions of packages are stolen yearly—many because deliveries are left unattended at homes. idwatchdog.com+1

  • Also note: “homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into.” ADT+1

These stats highlight two common vulnerabilities when you're away: burglary and package theft. Also, fire hazards can increase when systems are unmonitored. Let’s look at practical steps to help mitigate them.

Smart Safety Tips Before You Leave

Use these strategies to make your home a much harder target: Strengthen Physical Security

  • Lock and reinforce all entry points — doors, windows, garages. Ensure deadbolts and strike plates are robust.

  • Use timed indoor/outdoor lights and smart lighting schedules to make your home look occupied.

  • Install or activate security systems, motion sensors, glass-break detectors, and alarms.

  • Use video surveillance / video doorbell especially covering your entry points and package drop zone.

  • Trim shrubs and remove hiding spots near walkways, windows, or the front porch.

  • Don’t broadcast your absence on social media.

Protect Against Package Theft

Mitigate Fire Risks

  • Ensure smoke detectors, CO detectors, and fire alarms are working and have fresh batteries.

  • Consider smart sensors or a monitored fire detection system that alerts you or an agency if smoke or heat is detected.

  • Turn off or unplug major appliances that aren’t needed, especially ovens, irons, and non-essential electronics.

  • If your home has an irrigation/sprinkler system, ensure its auto mode is enabled and functional.

  • Ask a neighbor, friend, or house sitter to check the home periodically, especially the electrical systems, HVAC, and for signs of fire, water leaks, or damage.

Arrange for Supervision

  • Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to watch your home—collect mail, park a car in the driveway, or check periodically.

  • Use smart home features to automate routine behaviors (lights, TVs, blinds) so your home doesn’t “look off.”

  • Hold deliveries or reschedule large shipments until after your return.

Why Hiring a Security Consultant Makes a Difference

You can do many DIY protections—but a security consultant brings strategic advantage:

  • Risk Assessment & Custom Plan: We evaluate your property (layout, blind spots, vulnerable zones) and recommend tailored solutions.

  • Technology Integration: We help you choose the right devices—cameras, sensors, alarms, networked detection—that work together.

  • System Setup & Testing: Ensuring your security, fire, and surveillance systems are properly configured, connected, and tested.

  • Monitoring & Alerts: We set up professional or third-party monitoring, so you’re notified immediately if something goes wrong.

  • Periodic Audits & Updates: Systems can degrade, software may need patches, threats evolve—ongoing oversight matters.

  • Peace of Mind: When you travel, knowing experts have designed and monitored your security lets you focus on relaxation, not worry.

Protect Your Home—Even When You’re Far Away

Your vacation should recharge you, not stress you. With smart planning and professional security guidance, you can deter thieves, detect dangers, and return to the sanctuary you expect.

Contact us today to arrange a Vacation-Ready Home Security Audit. We’ll examine your home, propose upgrades, and deploy solutions that let you travel worry-free. Protect your home like a pro—we’re here for you.

Brian Curry
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