How to Secure Your Perth Home During School Holidays When the House Is Empty

School holidays are a time for family, travel, and a much-needed break. They’re also one of the busiest periods for residential break-ins. With entire streets emptying out as families head to Rottnest, Busselton, or interstate, opportunistic burglars take notice. If your Perth home is sitting empty for a week or two, remote security monitoring isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Why Holiday Periods Increase Break-In Risk in Perth

The pattern is consistent across WA Police data: property crime spikes during school holiday periods. Empty homes mean no activity, no noise, and no witnesses. Bins that aren’t put out, mail that builds up, and darkened windows at night are all signals that no one is home.

Burglars don’t need much time. Most break-ins are completed in under 10 minutes. Without a monitored alarm system in Perth, an intrusion could go undetected for days.

Step 1: Get a Monitored Alarm System Before You Leave

A monitored alarm is the foundation of holiday security. Unlike a standalone siren, a residential security monitoring service means that when your alarm is triggered, a professional response centre is notified immediately. They can attempt to contact you, dispatch a security patrol, or alert WA Police depending on the situation.

If you don’t already have monitoring in place, set it up before your next trip. Explore Security Monitoring Plans designed for Perth homeowners.

Step 2: Use a Video Intercom to Create the Illusion of Occupancy

Modern video intercom systems do more than just let you see who’s at the door. When connected to your smartphone, they allow you to answer your door from anywhere, whether you’re at Cottesloe or Cairns. A visitor who receives a response through the intercom has no way of knowing you’re not home.

This is one of the most underrated home security tips for WA homeowners heading away on holidays.

Step 3: Set Up CCTV with Remote Viewing

A connected home security camera system lets you check on your property in real time from your phone. If your monitoring centre triggers an alert, you can review the live feed immediately and make an informed decision about next steps.

Cameras at the front entry, rear gate, and garage are the minimum recommended coverage for a holiday period.

Step 4: Don’t Advertise Your Absence

• Avoid posting holiday photos on public social media until you return
• Ask a trusted neighbour to collect mail and alternate bin placement
• Use smart plugs or timers to turn lights on and off in the evenings
• Don’t leave a holiday message on your home phone voicemail

Step 5: Arrange a Security Check

Some security providers offer residential security patrol services that can include periodic drive-bys or physical checks of your property during an extended absence. This is worth considering for longer holidays or homes with valuables.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best home security setup for a Perth family going on holidays?

Remote security monitoring combined with a CCTV system and video intercom gives you real-time visibility and professional backup coverage while you’re away.

Can I set up security monitoring just for a short period?

Yes. Speak to a Perth security provider about your requirements. Many offer flexible monitoring arrangements to suit occasional or seasonal needs.

What happens when my monitored alarm is triggered while I’m away?

Your monitoring centre will follow an agreed response protocol, typically trying to contact you first, then dispatching a security officer or contacting WA Police depending on the situation.

Is a video intercom system easy to use remotely?

Yes. Modern video intercom systems in Perth connect directly to your smartphone via an app. You receive a notification when someone activates the intercom and can speak with them in real time.