Holidaymakers fret over empty homes

22/07/2011

By Shane Gladstone

More than three quarters of people embarking upon their holiday via a taxi fret over their home being left empty, according to a survey.

Some 77 per cent of those taking a taxi to the airport or station were concerned over the security of their home while they were away, according to the One Poll research.

A fifth of respondents in the poll of 1,000 said that they have talked about their home being occupied while they were away loud enough for the taxi driver to hear.

But that wasn't enough for the 14 per cent of people who waved at their empty house as the taxi pulled away - as if to imply there were people still inside.

The poll found that 34 per cent of holidaying homeowners use timer switches in a bid to keep burglars away, with some allowing neighbours to use the property to prevent it being left alone.

Among the most popular tasks bestowed on people looking after homes while the householders are away are collecting the post, feeding a pet and turning lights on when it gets dark.