If possible get someone to look after your home while you're away and take steps to make it appear lived in.

Avoid a build up of post while you're away by using the 'Keep Safe' service from the Royal Mail. For more details, including the cost of this service, call in at your local Post Office and ask for a form. Otherwise you could just ask a neighbour to put your mail in a safe place until you get back.

Leave a contact number or details of where you are travelling to with a neighbour. If you haven't given a key to your home to a neighbour at least give them the phone number of a family member or friend.

Let family or friends know you are going away and when you expect to return. Don't talk loudly about your holiday in the pub before you go or let too many people know that you're going away - you'd be surprised how word can get about!

If you have time, try to make a list of everything you plan to take with you. Check the list off so that you don't leave anything behind and then take the list with you. You'll find it useful when you're packing up to return home or to check that nothing has been lost or stolen during your trip.

See our advice about going away in the Your Home section for more helpful information.