Representatives of the security service “Ekskomisarų biuras” note that in summer, the security issue increases not due to a single factor, but due to the coincidence of several circumstances: people travel more often, homes remain empty for longer periods, homesteads are visited irregularly, and public signs appear on social networks indicating that the owners are not at home.
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According to company data, during the summer season of 2025, 6,188 alarm signals due to assault or unwanted persons, as well as 123 burglary and 38 fire incidents, were recorded at protected objects. According to the company’s assessment, during the warm period, the security risk particularly increases for residential homes, homesteads, and other objects used on a seasonal rhythm.
Security changes related to summer trips begin already in late May or early June, when weekend trips to homesteads increase, student holidays begin, and the first longer family trips take place. According to the company’s experts, the most sensitive period for residential properties is usually July and August, when homes are left unattended for the longest time.
“During the warm season, the rhythm of object use changes: city homes remain empty for longer periods, homesteads are visited irregularly, and some property is moved to garages, auxiliary premises, or seasonal objects. This does not mean that the danger automatically increases for everyone, but when the usual maintenance routine changes, more situations arise that need to be assessed in advance,” says Donatas Pocius, Director of the Electronic Security Department at “Ekskomisarų biuras”.
Everyday details reveal empty homes
In summer, empty homes often become easier to identify: they can be revealed by unused lighting in the evenings, a full mailbox, packages left at the door, or an unkempt environment. The security expert notes that digital footprints are increasingly contributing to these signs – real-time vacation photos, travel routes, or posts about longer trips published on social networks.
“Vacation posts on social networks become an additional source of information from a security perspective. The duration of departure, location, or a photo from the airport published in real-time can show not only where a person is, but also where they are not,” D. Pocius points out.
According to him, other situations that residents often underestimate also recur in summer: windows left ajar in micro-ventilation mode, spare keys “under a flowerpot” or in the mailbox, valuable items left in visible places, alarm not turned on, or the security service not informed about a longer absence.
“In summer, burglary scenarios often begin not with complex actions, but with easily noticeable signs. If an object appears to be left unattended, and additional signals are visible – an an open window, disabled security, a package at the door, or public posts about departure – such circumstances can be quickly exploited. Therefore, it is important to evaluate not just one detail, but their entirety,” says the director of the electronic security department.
When leaving, it’s important not just to lock the doors
Before going on vacation, the company’s experts recommend first assessing whether the home or homestead will appear unattended from the outside. For this, it is important to ensure that the mailbox does not accumulate mail, no packages are left at the door, the environment is maintained, and travel plans are not publicized in real-time. It is no less important to check basic security measures – close windows, doors, the garage, and auxiliary premises, do not leave spare keys in easily predictable places, and do not keep valuable items in visible places.
According to D. Pocius, technical measures become effective only when they are actually used: the alarm must be turned on, the signal transmitted to the monitoring center, and cameras, outdoor lighting, and sensors – operational. If the object will be empty for a longer period, it is worth informing your security service about it.
“In summer, prevention should not be formal. It is important not only to have a security system but also to ensure that it works, and that upon receiving an alarm signal, it will be clear who and how quickly responds. The most effective protection is one that not only records an event but also allows for a timely response to the situation,” D. Pocius states.
Memo: how to safely leave home before going on vacation?
The security service shares a short memo on what to do and what not to forget before preparing to leave your home for a longer period:
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- Make sure all windows, doors, garage, and auxiliary premises are closed and locked;
- Do not leave spare keys in easily predictable places (under a mat, flowerpot, or in the mailbox);
- Ensure that mail and packages do not accumulate – ask neighbors or relatives for help;
- Do not publicize travel plans in real-time on social networks;
- Turn on the alarm and make sure it is connected to the monitoring center;
- Check if video cameras, motion sensors, and outdoor lighting are working;
- If you are leaving for a longer period – inform the security service about it;
- If possible, create an impression of “life”: use timers or smart systems that allow automatic lighting at a set time to create the impression of an occupied home.
