Christmas crime is a sad reality for many who fall victim to opportunistic thieves, so while you’re busy putting the finishing touches on your vacation preparations, making sure your home is properly protected should be a priority.
The Christmas season traditionally sees a sharp increase in domestic burglaries as criminals target homes they deem vulnerable. To avoid being victimized, 8 days before Christmas, here are 8 tips to protect your home this vacation season, wherever you are.
Out & About
This can be difficult, but make sure you don’t get distracted when you’re loaded with bags, as this makes you an easy target for pickpockets. Make sure your purse or wallet is secure and keep cell phones out of sight. Keep your credit cards separate and avoid carrying too much cash or leaving valuables in your car.
December is usually a month filled with celebrations and social events, so be careful to leave your belongings unattended and make sure someone knows where you are going and what time you will be back.
At Home
While we love to show off our brightly coloured Christmas trees and houses, it can also serve as a beacon for thieves ready to take some of your hard-earned loot. Close your blinds or partially restrict views in potentially high-performance areas inside your home, such as large flat-screen TVs or highly visible audio systems.
If you go out at night, leave a few lights on, but not the lights on your Christmas tree as they are a common cause of fires.
If you’re going on vacation, set an automatic timer on the lights and remember to cancel your paper.
Once the festivities are over, recycle your garbage and don’t leave the boxes in sight of burglars, because burglars will be on the lookout for high-end equipment that is worth the detour!
Delivery staff will not ask to enter your home and charity collectors will not be offended if you ask to see their ID.
If you have a home security alarm system, make its use a priority and be diligent in setting it up even when you leave your home to do last-minute errands. Also update your alarm system’s signage to deter thieves and let them know that your property is protected, as is the case with commercial security. You can still save on home insurance with significant discounts for homes monitored by a reputable security provider.
We wish you and yours a Merry Christmas without crime and a prosperous New Year.
