You've been waiting all year for a holiday and, as you stuff half your wardrobe into an overflowing bag and head out the door the last thing you want to do is be responsible.

But stop right there. A bit of planning could save you post-holiday heartache. Burglaries increase significantly during holiday periods. Why? Because they're the times the crooks are least likely to be interrupted!

Here's how to go on holiday and come home to a house, not a disaster.

Six weeks before you go away

- Check your home's security. Fit key-operated window locks, deadlocks on perimeter doors and perhaps a security system (Dick Smith Electronics has them, if you've spent too much on the hotel, just buy the security system sticker!). Don't forget about securing skylights and garage doors and padlocking the garden shed.

- Book a housesitter or ask someone you trust to check your home every day or two while you're away.

- If you can't take your pets with you, book them into a kennel (be quick, they fill up faster than most holiday resorts) or organise a house sitter. Tour the kennel/cattery before you book in Rover or Kitty. Check there are clean litter boxes, draught-free sleeping areas and good fences around the runs. Guinea pigs, fish, birds and rabbits need personal care - there are people who'll mind your pet in your own home, but they can be expensive. Ask your local vet for recommendations.

- Make sure your house and contents insurance is up to date

- Consider installing a watering system for your garden

A few days before you go

- Store any garden tools, bikes and other valuables somewhere out of sight (and preferably locked away), so as not to tempt would-be burglars.

- Trim back trees and clear any garden rubbish so your home is visible to passers-by and fire safe. Display your house number clearly so emergency vehicles can find it easily.

- Tell your neighbours you're going away and ask them to keep an eye on the place.

- Leave any valuables in a bank with a solicitor etc.

- Buy timers for internal lamps or a security sensor light that's triggered by movement.

- Remind that trusted friend you booked six weeks ago to come by every day or so and clear the mail, mow the lawn, rearrange internal curtains and perhaps leave things differently on the kitchen bench. They could also change any timers to a different time, water plants, clear your answering machine, leave on a radio, hang out some washing or move your car! (Get them a little thank-you present.)

- Cancel any milk and newspaper deliveries. Hold or redirect mail.

- If you're leaving your car with a garage, take your house keys off your key ring before leaving it.

- Make sure your pet's registration/ID is up to date and visible - whether it's going with you, staying home or going to a kennel/cattery.

- Check the back-up battery on your security system and fire alarms.

The day you leave

- Don't close curtains that are normally left open - you want the house to look lived-in

- Save on holiday bills by turning off your hot water system and switching off other appliances, like toasters, kettles, etc, at the power point to save on the cost of standby electricity.

- Turn off 'sensitive' appliances such as the TV or computer, and pull out the socket to prevent any problems that might be caused by a power surge or blackout .

- Set radio alarms and light timers.

- Lock up (with your new deadlocks) carefully.

- Leave a house sitter/neighbour with your contact numbers, local emergency numbers and the number of your pet's vet.