The holiday season is a time of joy, relaxation, and travel for many families. Unfortunately, it’s also a prime time for burglars, with empty homes providing tempting opportunities. Taking a few proactive measures can ensure your home stays secure while you’re away celebrating. How many of these do you plan to implement?
Plan for a Lived-In Look
One of the most effective ways to deter burglars is to make your home appear occupied. People are less likely to target a house that looks lived-in.
Use Smart Lights: Install smart light bulbs that can be scheduled or controlled remotely via apps. Alternate the lights in different rooms to mimic regular activity.
Maintain Landscaping: Ensure your lawn and bushes are trimmed before leaving. Overgrown yards can be a sign that nobody is home.
Stop Mail and Deliveries: A pile of uncollected mail signals an empty house. Place a hold on mail with your postal service or ask a neighbour to collect it.
Reinforce Your Home's Physical Security
Taking steps to secure entry points can significantly reduce the chances of a break-in:
Upgrade Locks: Ensure all doors and windows have sturdy, modern locks. Deadbolts add an extra layer of security.
Secure Sliding Doors and Windows: Place a rod or a dowel in the sliding doors and window tracks to prevent them from being forced open.
Install a Peephole or Doorbell Camera: Doorbell cameras allow you to monitor visitors and receive real-time alerts on your phone.
Leverage Technology for Peace of Mind
Smart home technology can help you keep tabs on your property even when you’re miles away:
Install Security Cameras: Modern cameras offer live feeds, motion detection, and cloud storage for footage—place cameras at key locations, such as front and back doors.
Use a Smart Alarm System: Many systems integrate with smartphones, allowing you to arm or disarm them remotely.
Set Up Motion-Activated Lights: Outdoor motion-sensor lights can startle potential intruders and draw attention to unusual activity.
Enlist the Help of Trusted Neighbours
Neighbours can be your eyes and ears when you’re away:
Inform Them of Your Plans: Let a trusted neighbour know when you’ll be gone and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
Ask Them to Park in Your Driveway: A car in the driveway can give the illusion that someone is home.
Leave Emergency Contact Information: Provide them with a way to reach you in an emergency.
Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Sharing your travel plans or holiday photos in real-time can inadvertently alert criminals to your absence:
Wait Until You’re Home: Post about your trip after you return to avoid advertising that your house is empty.
Check Privacy Settings: Set your social media profiles to private so only trusted contacts can view your posts.
Protect Valuables and Important Documents
Even with all precautions, it’s wise to safeguard your most valuable possessions:
Invest in a Safe: Store jewelry, cash, and essential documents in a secure, fireproof safe.
Hide Expensive Items: Avoid leaving valuable items like electronics in plain sight from windows.
7. Double-Check Before You Leave
Before heading out, take time to ensure all security measures are in place:
Lock all doors and windows, including garage doors.
Unplug non-essential electronics to reduce fire risk.
Activate your alarm system.
A secure home offers peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the magic of Christmas without worry. With some preparation, you’ll return to your home just as you left it—safe and sound.
Travel safely, and happy holidays!
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