Staying Safe this Christmas

Staying Safe this Christmas

The holiday season is a time for joy and celebration – unless you’re the victim of theft.

December sees more burglaries than any other month. Between decorating for holidays, frequent traveling, and increased deliveries as you stuff your stockings, burglars have more incentives and opportunities to take what isn’t theirs.

Here are five ways you can minimize your chances of home robberies and stolen packages.

Make It Look Like You’re Home

Burglars are far less likely to target a house that looks occupied. They’re not looking for a fight – just to get in and out with something valuable.

Use timers to turn on lights or TVs at various times so your home appears lived-in, even when you’re miles away. If you have multiple vehicles, consider leaving one in the driveway instead of the garage to add to your presence. You should also have a neighbor take in your mail to avoid an overflowing mailbox that says you’re not home.

Also, double-check that all doors and windows are locked before heading out. Breaking into homes makes a lot of noise and draws attention, so burglars are less likely to force their way in. Motion-sensor lights outside can also spook anyone sneaking around in the dark looking for openings.

Hide Product Boxes After Opening

Unwrapping gifts is part of the magic of Christmas, but don’t let the excitement turn into an advertisement for thieves. Those big boxes from TVs, gaming consoles, or other pricey electronics sitting out by the curb tell burglars exactly what’s inside your home.

Instead, break down boxes, stuff them in trash bags, or wait until collection day to take them out. The less time they’re visible or the harder they are to see, the less likely someone driving by will be tempted to take the chance.

Use A Doorbell Camera

Doorbell cameras both help deter thieves and let you know when to collect your packages to minimize thieves’ opportunities. Many come with cameras, motion sensors, lights, and other security features that let you record the faces of burglars, catch them in the act, or scare them off. You can also receive notifications to your phone when the camera detects a delivery, letting you collect your package immediately instead of someone else.

Don’t Advertise Your Travel Schedule

Holiday traveling is super common, which means houses are empty for an extended period of time. If someone knows you won’t be home for a weekend because you share your plans on social media or leave a note for delivery drivers, they know they have time to take what they want.

Always avoid talking about your holiday plans publicly and have a trusted neighbor collect your mail and keep an eye on your property to make sure nobody is coming and going from your home.

Avoid Decorations That Affect Your Home’s Security

Everyone loves to get in the holiday spirit with decorations, but running extension cords through windows or garage doors exposes the interior of your home to burglars. Large decorations can also provide cover or blind spots for potential burglars casing your home, so try to preserve sightlines for camera visibility, especially around doors and windows. Additionally, extravagant decorations may indicate your home has a lot of valuables, so keep it modest.

Enjoy a Safe, Worry-Free Holiday

Holidays are a time for joy, gift-giving, and quality time with family. Unfortunately, there’s always a Scrooge who’s willing to dampen your holiday spirit–but with these tips, you can help protect your belongings and enjoy a safe holiday season.

From all of us at Great Florida Homes, have a great holiday!