Seven items to keep your home and belongings safe while you travel
Leaving your home unattended while on holiday can lead to break-ins and burglaries, but these gadgets can help you protect your home while you travel – and also keep you and your possessions safe on the road
Canary Flex
A weatherproof security camera good for indoor or outdoor use, this HD camera (HK$2,499) has a magnetic 360° swivel base for precise positioning. Alerting you of any motion in your home, the accompanying Canary app has one-touch local emergency numbers integrated into it. Available at emotiontech.hk/store
Recording everything that happens in your home and uploading it to the cloud, this motion-sensing camera (HK$1,998) can send a “RapidRecap” to you each day for viewing on your phone or tablet. It even lets you target the motion-sensing tech away from specific areas so you can avoid a pet constantly setting it off. Available at apple.com/hk.
A stainless steel wire mesh built into the bag’s fabric makes this anti-theft shoulder bag (HK$586) slash-proof, a security clip stops pickpockets, and a RFID-blocking pocket keeps hackers out of your phone. Available at keys.com.hk.
A “key finder” tracking gadget (HK$195) that’s so small it can be attached not just to keys but to anything from a wallet or handbag to luggage and even a pet. Xupo’s last known location can be checked on a map within a smartphone app. The bonus? It can also be used as a Bluetooth remote for taking selfies, which works with any phone. Available at myxupo.com.
A Wi-Fi camera with night vision, NetCam HD (HK$1,298) can stream live video to a smartphone or tablet, but just as useful are its notifications when the camera’s motion sensor is triggered, which are delivered to your phone with a live link to tune in. All you need is a smartphone to set it up. Sold by foresoon.com.hk.
Essentially a timer switch for any device that needs power – though typically a lamp – the WeMo Switch (HK$399) enables you to create an on/off schedule on a smartphone app so you can fool others into thinking your home is occupied. Find it at 24cards.com.hk.
If there are still certain valuables you wouldn’t dream of leaving behind, this tough waterproof backpack (HK$945) is designed as a carry-on bag (there’s even a strap to attach it to the pull-up handle of a trolley suitcase). It’s able to store a 15-inch laptop, has no outer zips and all access points are against your back, making it completely inaccessible to thieves. Shipped to Hong Kong from riut.co.uk.