MORE than half of the Warwickites packing their bags and heading off on their end of year holiday trips will spend the time away stressing about the safety of their homes.

A report by ADT Security, titled Secure Homes Report, found 68% of homeowners are concerned about the safety of their homes when they go on holiday.

Survey results discovered one in four of the concerned householders identified school and public holidays as the highest risk time.

Warwick Crime Stoppers chairwoman Jo McNally said the best system was to make it look like there was someone home.

"What we do is have someone check up on the house," she said.

"We also let the neighbours know we are going away.

"If we are gone for a long time, we get someone to mow the lawn as well."

The councillor's advice aligned with the survey results, which found 76% of people, asked a friend or neighbour to keep an eye on their property.

Other popular security measures included setting timers on lights and radios and activating a burglar alarm.

Generation X and Y homeowners had a slightly different approach, with 25% of them arranging for a house sitter.

ADT Security's Michael Bates said other ways to minimise the risk of break and enters, including hanging old clothes on the line and not placing gifts under the Christmas tree.

Home security tips

• Lower telephone ringing volume
• Don't reveal holiday plans on social media
• Have a neighbour collect your mail
• Ensure house has good exterior lighting
• Leave a car in the driveway