What should I do to ensure my house is OK when I go on holiday?

 You should do the following before leaving your home empty for any period of time:

• Unplug your TV, PC, toaster, oven and other appliances to protect them from power surges. Also, many appliances use power even when they are turned off
• Isolate the water at the main shut-off valve. If it is winter it is also advisable to open taps and flush toilet to ensure pipes have no standing water to protect against freezing and bursts
• Remove your spare key from its hiding place in your porch, garage or shed
• Remove expensive items, like jewellery and computers, out of sight if they’re visible from the window
• Don’t tip off criminals on the web! Avoid posting detailed holiday plans on Twitter or Facebook