As the festive season approaches, homeowners across the UK are preparing for festive celebrations with friends and family. However, amid the joy and merriment, it’s essential to remember that this time of year also brings an increased risk of home burglaries and security breaches.
If you’re worried about the risk of break-ins over Christmas, now is the time to look for a burglar alarm in Essex or implement other security measures to protect your home, your family and your valuables.
In this blog post, we’ll share All Security Solutions’ tips and strategies on how to keep your house safe over Christmas, ensuring you can enjoy a worry-free and festive break.
Secure All Entry Points
Start your security preparations by checking and reinforcing all entry points to your home, including doors, windows, and sliding glass doors.
Make sure all locks are in working order, and consider installing deadbolts for added security. Reinforce sliding doors with dowel rods or security bars to prevent them from being forced open.
Adequate Lighting
Proper lighting is a simple yet effective way to deter burglars. Invest in motion-activated outdoor lights for your garden, driveway and entryways, making it challenging for potential intruders to approach your home unnoticed.
Additionally, use timers for indoor lights to give the illusion of an occupied home, even when you’re away for gatherings.
Home Security System
A professionally monitored home security system or burglar alarm is an excellent investment for ensuring the safety of your home during the Christmas season.
These systems provide 24/7 surveillance, real-time alerts, and quick responses in the event of a break-in. Modern security systems often integrate with smartphones, allowing homeowners to monitor their properties remotely.
Package Security
With the rise in online shopping, the Christmas season often sees an increase in delivered packages left on doorsteps.
Consider installing a package delivery box, or have packages delivered to a neighbour or your workplace to prevent theft. You can also track deliveries with mobile apps to ensure you’re home when they arrive.
Additionally, packages left on the doorstep can be an invitation to criminals, highlighting that you’re not at home.
Travel Plans
If you’re planning to travel in December, it’s crucial to create the illusion that your home is still occupied.
Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect post, newspapers, and deliveries. Put lights on timers, and consider installing smart plugs to control devices remotely.
Avoid publicising your travel plans on social media to prevent potential burglars from knowing your home is vacant.
Hide Valuables
Storing gifts and valuable items in plain sight can make your home a more attractive target for burglars.
Ensure that valuable items are not visible from outside your home, and consider using a safe or lockbox for storing important documents, jewellery, and cash.
Be Cautious with Decorations
While Christmas holiday decorations add to the season’s charm, they can also create vulnerabilities.
Avoid running extension cords through windows or doors, as these openings can be exploited by burglars.
Ensure that decorations do not obstruct the view of your home from the street, allowing neighbours and police to monitor any unusual activity.
Practice Discretion
While displaying gifts under the tree is a cherished tradition, consider waiting until the last minute to place valuable presents. Burglars often scope out homes in advance, and the sight of numerous gifts can be an attractive target.