With thefts increasing by 20% - 30% around seasonal times- criminals get their own festive feelings around this time of year. From fancy new TV’s and smart gadgets, to jewellery and branded clothing- our homes are rarely as full of valuables as there are during December and January. Deterring would-be thieves from your property is the best way to stay secure, so here are some tips and tricks that may help. - Outdoor Lighting From motion flood lights to simple Christmas lights and decorations. If a criminal has to become highly visible to scope out your property, they are less inclined to pick your home.
- Secure Access When installing things like Christmas lights, many homeowners leave windows partly open for cables and extensions. Make sure you aren’t one of these people and always have your windows and doors security closed and locked, using battery power or external outlets if power is required outside your home.
- Packaging When throwing out your rubbish, try to take things like boxes and packaging for expensive items directly to the recycling centre, or at least put them out for collection just before the binmen arrive. Otherwise you could be advertising all your new valuables to any thief that takes a look in your bin.
- Social Media Be careful when posting anything on social media that could make you vulnerable. From posting the countdown until your Christmas Holiday, or going to visit the relatives, or pictures of your family playing with their new electronics. All this information if very useful to someone who wants to know when no one will be at your home, and exactly what’s inside it.
- Beef Up Security Research show that 30% of break-ins happen through the window. Installing dead-bolts or new hinges could be a relatively cheap cost for a potentially huge gain. With security cameras you can access on your mobile phone costing as little at £40, it makes sense to put a little bit of the Christmas budget aside to ensure you have a protected property to spend it in.
- The Illusion of Occupancy People have been leaving their TV’s on to deter burglars for many years now, as well as closing blinds and curtains in the evenings. To save on power usage and the longevity of your electronics- you can install smart curtains and blinds and open and close via schedule or app, to give the illusion that the house is occupied when you’re out. Add some smart bulbs and motion sensors and the intruder would practically want to be caught to choose your property.
- Festive Holidays If you plan on going away for an extended period of time- see if any neighbours would mind parking in your driveway to help with the illusion of occupancy. Make sure to cancel any milk, newspaper or deliveries that could sit by your front door and advertise your vacancy.
- Sheds, Garages and Outbuildings Gaining access to any sheds or garages is usually a quick win for a thief. They are less likely to run into the owners, less likely to be spotted, and a lot of valuable tools and equipment can be found. Not to mention items that might be handy to gain entry into the property itself. Make sure your sheds and garages are securely locked, as well as any ladders or items that can be used to the thief’s advantage.
- Spare Keys Do not leave spare keys anywhere outside your property. Having that spare key under a rock or in a secure location might seem helpful should you or someone you know ever need it, but its equally helpful to any potential burglars that find it or see someone using it. Leave a spare key with a friend, relative or trusted neighbour. If none of those are available, then consider a keyless door lock.
Stay safe, stay vigilant, and enjoy the festivities with those you care about.