It is all too easy after locking the doors and windows to adopt the ‘it won't happen to me’ mind-set – but what if it did? Can you imagine coming back from your holiday to find that your home had been broken into? It is heart breaking at any time, but it would hit you twice as hard after coming back from a care free trip away.

As well as all of the usual precautions you can take to protect your property, such as leaving lights on a timer, locking valuables away and cancelling regular deliveries like milk and papers so they don't pile up, there are also a number of steps you can take to protect your house, such as upgrading your home security.

Here at thebestof Birmingham, we are more than happy to spread the word about ways in which we can help you find the information or services you require. That is why, when it comes to home security, we recommend Sentinel Security Systems Ltd. Sentinel Security are a bestof Birmingham member, and not just because we chose them to be, but because they were recommended to us by satisfied customers and members of the public.

Sentinel Security Systems specialise in installing and maintaining intruder alarms, CCTV systems, access control, and fire alarms. Regardless of your requirements, they have the experience and skillset to be able to provide all that you need. From a simple intruder alarm, to a full sized commercial system, you can rest assured that with security in place, you have done what you can to reduce the risk of an incident, and can concentrate on enjoying your holiday.

We would also recommend that if you're going away, you make sure that you have the right home insurance in place to protect you should something happen. Another one of our members, Think Insurance, just so happens to have been voted the ‘Best Insurance Broker in the UK’ by thebestof public, for the last 4 years running. Think Insurance Services Ltd offer a number of standard and non-standard home insurance policies that can cover your buildings, contents, or both. There are also policies to cover your property if you are going to be away for an extended period of time, along with many other features and benefits including flexible payment options and a 24 hour claims line, which should all help put your mind at ease. For more information, or to get a home insurance quote visit www.thinkinsurance.co.uk/bestofbirmingham

Many of you will have all of these precautions in place already, but if you hadn't then hopefully we've made you think about it a little more, and encouraged you to get protected – it's better to be safe than sorry!

If you are all set to go on holiday, or you are in the process of booking, then we would like to wish you a fantastic time, from the bestof, Sentinel Security Systems, and Think Insurance – Happy Holiday!!