Introduction
Holiday time is wonderful—but it’s also when your Auckland home is most vulnerable. Burglars know families are away. Your home sits dark and empty for 1–4 weeks. Your driveway isn’t used. Mail piles up visibly at the front door. Your neighborhood sees fewer familiar cars.
The statistics are sobering: burglary rates spike 25–35% during holiday periods. A 1-in-300 annual burglary risk can feel like 1-in-30 during an extended holiday absence.
At Garrison Alarms, we’ve helped hundreds of Auckland families protect their properties during extended absences. This guide covers everything from immediate pre-departure steps to advanced remote monitoring while away.
The Holiday Burglary Risk in Auckland
Statistical Reality
NZ Police data shows:
- Summer holiday (Dec-Jan): 30% increase in residential burglaries
- School holidays (April, July, Sept): 15% spike each
- Extended absences (2+ weeks): Additional risk multiplier
- Peak vulnerability: First week of absence (burglars test alarm responsiveness)
Why holidays are high-risk:
- Families away 1–4 weeks (longest absences of year)
- Obvious signs of absence (mail, dark house, unused driveway)
- Reduced neighbor observation (neighbors also on holiday)
- Burglars specifically target holiday periods
Property-Specific Risk Factors
High-risk properties during holidays:
- Visible valuable contents (boats, jet skis, expensive equipment)
- Landscaping with hiding spots
- Multiple entry points
- No visible security (alarms, cameras)
- Obvious absence indicators (mail, dark house, newspapers)
Lower-risk properties:
- Visible alarm system and CCTV
- Occupied appearance maintained
- Active neighbor watch
- Professional monitoring active
- Clear sightlines
Pre-Holiday Security Checklist (3 Weeks Before Departure)
Week 3: System Verification
1. Test All Security Systems
Alarm system:
- Arm system and verify all sensors respond
- Test panic button
- Check backup battery (should show green light)
- Verify mobile app connectivity
- Test 24/7 monitoring centre contact (call them; confirm your details)
CCTV system:
- Test all cameras (verify night vision working)
- Check NVR storage (ensure ample capacity for 3–4 weeks)
- Verify cloud backup enabled (if using)
- Test mobile app camera access
- Check WiFi/internet stability
Smart locks (if installed):
- Test keypad entry
- Verify backup power
Lighting:
- Test all motion-activated lights
- Replace any burned-out bulbs
- Ensure timer lights working
2. Set Up Mobile Alerts
Configure notifications:
- Door/window opening alerts
- Motion detection alerts
- System arm/disarm notifications
- Low battery warnings (sensors)
Test: Trigger motion detector; verify phone alert within 30 seconds
Week 2: Professional Preparations
3. Schedule Optional Pre-Holiday Security Check
Garrison Alarms holiday preparation service:
- Full system test and verification
- Camera angle confirmation
- Lighting optimization
- Motion detection sensitivity check
- Confirmation all is working optimally
Cost: $200–$400 (optional but valuable peace of mind)
4. Inform Key Contacts
Neighbors:
- Provide mobile number
- Ask them to watch property
- Exchange contact information
- Point out security systems
- Introduce them to alarm company’s 24/7 number (in case they see/hear alarm)
Alarm monitoring centre:
- Confirm holiday dates (they may note account)
- Verify emergency contact numbers
- Confirm monitoring active throughout period
- Ask if any maintenance scheduled (prevent surprise visits)
Police (optional):
- Some regions have holiday property watch programs
- Check police.govt.nz for local program
- May result in periodic patrol checks (free community service)
1 Week Before: Departure Preparations
5. Secure Mail and Packages
Mail:
- Initiate NZ Post mail hold (3-week hold available online)
- Notify household members of hold
- Suspend any scheduled deliveries
- Ask neighbor to collect any missed packages
Packages:
- Have deliveries held or redirected to trusted neighbor
- Alert courier services if expecting deliveries
- Consider rerouting to workplace or post office
6. Prepare Occupied Appearance
Interior lights:
- Set timer lights for 3–4 rooms
- Create varied schedule (not same time every night)
- Use smart plugs for randomized timing
- Leave one light on timer in visible room (lounge/kitchen)
Exterior:
- Arrange driveway parking (ask neighbor to park occasionally)
- Consider hiring property caretaker for 2–3 visits during absence
- Trim dead leaves from front yard
- Ensure landscaping looks maintained
7. Lock Down and Prepare Property
Final security check:
- Lock all doors and windows
- Close all blinds/curtains (prevents interior visibility)
- Unplug unnecessary devices (reduces fire risk)
- Leave internal lights on low timers (occupied appearance)
- Ensure vehicle locked in garage (if applicable)
Alarm system:
- Test arm/disarm one final time
- Ensure all sensors responding
- Confirm monitoring centre has correct contact numbers
- Document system codes (in case emergency call needed)
8. Remote Monitoring Setup
Confirm mobile app access:
- Download/update CCTV mobile app
- Verify login and camera feed access
- Test cloud login (if using cloud storage)
- Verify alarm mobile notification setup
- Test from WiFi away from home (simulate remote access)
Plan for monitoring:
- Check alerts periodically (daily is reasonable)
- Review footage weekly if possible (ensure system functioning)
- Identify unusual activity immediately
- Have protocol for contacting monitoring centre or police
During Holiday: Daily Practices
Daily Remote Monitoring Routine
Morning check (5 minutes):
- Review any mobile alerts received
- Check app for system status (armed, all sensors OK)
- Spot-check CCTV camera feed (verify system functioning)
- If alerts: Contact monitoring centre or police immediately
Evening check (5 minutes):
- Same process as morning
- Note any unusual activity
- Verify system armed for night
Peak travel times (mid-week):
- Burglars often work mid-week when fewer neighbors home
- Extra alert during mid-week to this pattern
What to Do If Alert Triggers
If motion/break-in alert:
- Don’t panic—May be false alarm (wind, animal, sensor malfunction)
- Contact monitoring centre (they should contact you, but call them if you received alert)
- Provide verification:
- Security code
- Confirm you’re not home
- Request police dispatch
- Provide mobile contact number
- Police dispatch initiated (monitoring centre handles)
- Monitor outcome—Check next day with local police for incident report
- Review footage—Once home, check CCTV for what triggered alarm
Social Media Caution
Don’t: Post holiday photos/updates in real-time
Why: Burglars monitor social media specifically for:
- Real-time vacation posts (confirming absence)
- Location tags (confirming family away)
- Photo timing (demonstrating extended absence)
Instead:
- Post vacation photos AFTER you return home
- Use location tags only after returning
- Keep holiday absence private (tell family/close friends only)
High-Risk Holiday Periods
Summer Holidays (Dec-Jan): Highest Risk
Why high-risk:
- Families away 2–4 weeks (longest absence)
- Many neighbors also away (reduced observation)
- Burglars specifically target this period
- Police resources spread thin
Enhanced precautions:
- Definitely activate 24/7 monitoring (not optional)
- Have neighbor check property weekly
- Consider hiring property sitter for brief visits
- Ensure driveway appearance maintained (ask neighbor to move car occasionally)
- Check mobile alerts more frequently
Easter Holidays (April): Moderate Risk
Typical 1–2 week absence
Standard precautions sufficient:
- Alarm + CCTV operational
- Mail held or collected
- Lights on timers
- Neighbor watch
- Daily mobile monitoring
Mid-year School Holidays (July): Lower-Moderate Risk
Typical 1–2 week absence (sometimes weekend-only)
Standard precautions:
- Same as Easter
- Can reduce security if only 3–4 day absence
Spring School Holiday (Sept): Moderate Risk
Similar to Easter/July; typically 1–2 weeks
Advanced Holiday Security Strategies
Strategy 1: Professional Property Caretaker
What they do:
- Visit property 2–3 times per week
- Check for obvious problems (broken windows, forced entry)
- Move bins/recycle to vary appearance
- Collect mail/packages
- Report any concerns immediately
- Presence in driveway discourages burglars
Cost: $100–$200 per visit; typically 2–3 visits = $200–$600 total
Value: Peace of mind; actual deterrent effect; early incident detection
Where to find: Ask neighbors for recommendations; check Facebook community groups; local property management companies often provide this service
Strategy 2: Neighbor Watch Agreement
Arrange with trusted neighbor:
- Exchange contact information
- Agree on specific days they’ll check property
- Provide alarm code (if willing; emergency only)
- Ask them to:
- Note anything unusual
- Move your garbage bin in/out (occupied appearance)
- Occasionally park in your driveway
- Contact you immediately if concerns
Cost: Free (or offer reciprocal service for their holiday)
Key: Must be reliable, trustworthy neighbor
Strategy 3: Driveway Occupancy Maintenance
Technique: Have neighbor occasionally park in your driveway
Why: Occupied appearance is powerful deterrent
- Burglars scout properties (seeing car suggests occupancy)
- Removes “obviously empty” appearance
- Requires minimal neighbor effort
Coordination: Ask neighbor to park 1–2x per week, rotate timing
Strategy 4: Additional Lighting
Temporary holiday lighting enhancement:
- Install battery-powered motion lights (no installation needed)
- Deploy in areas not normally lit
- Creates surprise illumination (deterrent effect)
- Cost: $30–$100 per light; easily removed post-holiday
Strategy 5: Driveway Security Camera Monitoring
If not already installed, consider temporary rental:
- Portable/battery-powered security camera for driveway
- Cloud-enabled (view remotely)
- Position to capture approaching vehicles/people
- Cost: $50–$100/week rental
Better: Install permanent CCTV before holiday season (ROI justified by year-round protection)
Holiday Security by Property Type
Standalone House (Typical)
Recommended system:
- Monitored alarm system (essential)
- 4K CCTV with cloud backup
- Motion lights
- Mail held or collected
- Neighbor watch agreement
Risk level: High during holidays; moderate security reduces risk significantly
Apartment/Unit
Advantages:
- Building security (managed entry)
- Neighbors close by (observation)
- Central security often already in place
Still needed:
- Unit-level alarm system
- Smart lock (keyless entry)
- Valuables in home safe (not visible to casual thieves)
- Mail held/collected
Holiday Home (Bach/Crib)
Higher risk (isolated, empty for extended periods):
Critical precautions:
- Professional alarm system with 24/7 monitoring (non-negotiable)
- Comprehensive CCTV system
- Property caretaker for regular checks
- Neighbor notification (if applicable)
- Police awareness (local police often track vacant properties)
- Consider gate/security fence
Cost justified: Holiday homes are explicit targets for theft; security investment critical
Investment Rental Property
If tenant away on holiday:
- Ensure tenant has alarm armed/monitoring active
- Notify property manager of extended absence
- Coordinate with property manager for occasional checks
- Verify insurance covers extended vacancy
If property vacant between tenants:
- Hire property sitter
- Install temporary motion-activated cameras
- Ensure alarm monitoring active
- Notify police of vacancy period
- Consider security signage (additional deterrent)
FAQ: Holiday Home Security
Should I turn off my alarm while away?
Never. Always keep alarm armed and monitoring active during absence. Alarms are most valuable when you’re not home.
Is 24/7 monitoring necessary, or can I just use CCTV?
During extended holidays, monitoring is essential:
- Cost (add $20–$50/month) is minor vs. potential loss
- CCTV only records; doesn’t trigger active response
- Monitoring center triggers police dispatch
- 3–4 week absence warrants professional response capability
Can I cancel monitoring while on holiday to save money?
No. This is exactly when monitoring matters most. Cost is minimal compared to risk.
What if my alarm gives false alarm while I’m away?
Monitoring centre handles:
- You don’t need to do anything; centre manages response
- Calls your primary number
- If no answer, calls secondary numbers
- Verifies break-in vs. false alarm
- Dispatches police if confirmed
Should I leave internal lights on?
Yes, on timers:
- Moderate brightness (not at max all night)
- Not constantly (obvious no one home)
- Varied schedule (simulate occupancy pattern)
- 3–4 rooms on different timers (not synchronized)
Is it safer to leave property looking unoccupied rather than trying to fake occupancy?
No. Occupied appearance deters 60%+ of burglars; unoccupied appearance invites break-ins.
Can I use outdoor cameras instead of full CCTV system?
Outdoor doorbell/turret cameras help but aren’t complete solution:
- Limited night vision on budget models
- Better than nothing for entry documentation
- Don’t monitor perimeter effectively
- Don’t integrate with alarm system (if desired)
Should I tell friends/family I’m away?
Be selective:
- Tell only trusted close family/friends
- Don’t post on social media
- Don’t advertise dates of absence
- Ask them not to post about visiting while away
What’s most important: Alarm or CCTV for holidays?
Alarm with 24/7 monitoring is #1 priority:
- Active response (police dispatch)
- Immediate notification
- Proven deterrent
Add CCTV for evidence if break-in occurs despite alarm.
Emergency Response Plan
Create written plan for family:
- While away:
- Who to contact if alarm alert received
- Monitoring centre emergency number
- Local police non-emergency number
- Trusted neighbor contact
- If break-in occurs:
- Monitoring centre notifies police
- Police have property access information
- You’re contacted by monitoring centre
- Don’t return to property if actively being broken into (police will respond)
- If police respond:
- Police will secure property
- Police will file incident report
- You’ll get police event number (for insurance)
- Insurance claims use this number
Cost-Benefit Analysis
Holiday Security Investment vs. Risk
Typical scenario:
- Home value: $600,000
- Holiday absence: 3–4 weeks
- Burglary loss risk: $3,000–$10,000 (conservative estimate)
- Risk probability during holiday: ~2–3% (vs. 0.3% annual baseline)
Security cost for holiday:
- Alarm + CCTV installed (one-time): $5,000–$7,000
- Monitoring (annual): $300–$420
- Property caretaker visits (per holiday): $200–$400
- Total annual holiday security: $300–$420 + occasional caretaker
ROI calculation:
- If break-in prevented: $3,000–$10,000 saved vs. $300–$420 cost = 7–30x return
- If no break-in: $300–$420 cost for peace of mind + year-round protection
Verdict: Security investment justified even if no incidents occur
Internal Linking Notes
Link to these related Garrison Alarms resources:
- “CCTV vs Alarm System: Which Is Better for Home Security?” (system choice)
- “Home Security Checklist NZ: 25 Ways to Protect Your Auckland Home” (comprehensive security)
- “CCTV Installation Cost Auckland: Complete 2026 Pricing Guide” (system investment)
- “Alarm Monitoring Cost in NZ: Is 24/7 Monitoring Worth It?” (monitoring decision)
- “Do Security Cameras Deter Burglars?” (deterrence effectiveness)
Summary
Holiday periods are peak burglary times in Auckland (25–35% increase). Extended absences during summer, Easter, and school holidays present significant risk.
Effective holiday security requires:
- Professional alarm system with 24/7 monitoring (essential)
- CCTV system with cloud backup (important for evidence)
- Occupied appearance maintenance (lights, driveway, mail management)
- Neighbor watch or property caretaker (external observation)
- Remote monitoring via mobile app (daily awareness)
Total investment of $5,000–$7,000 for professional systems pays for itself through insurance discounts and protection during peak-risk periods.
Protect your Auckland home while you enjoy your holiday—contact Garrison Alarms at 0800-427747.
About Garrison Alarms
Since 1989, Garrison Alarms has protected Auckland homes during holidays and extended absences. We help families plan holiday security and ensure systems are optimized before departure. Our COC-certified installers design systems providing peace of mind while traveling.
Last updated: February 2026