Home Security At Christmas
Although Christmas is a happy and exciting time, it is also a time popular time for theft and break-ins. So, it is extremely important to make sure that you have the best home security in place. But what are the best ways to secure your home from burglars? In this article, we will be discussing what crime is like during Christmas and providing you with all our best Christmas home security tips.
Is There More Crime Around Christmas?
Yes, it has been known that there are more crimes committed around the Christmas period. Some of the most commons crimes at Christmas are:
- Burglaries
- Break-Ins
- Drink Driving
- Fraud
- Pick-Pocketing
- Identity Theft
Do Burglaries Increase At Christmas?
Yes, burglaries do increase during Christmas time. Last December in the UK, it was predicted that at least 5,209 London homes would be burgled, at least 1,671 predicted burglars within the West Midlands, and at least 1,288 predicated robberies within West Yorkshire.
Christmas Home Security Tips
Because of the fast increase of crimes being committed during Christmas, it is now more important than ever to make sure that you are following Christmas security tips. Below, we have listed our best Christmas safety tips that we recommend will help deter burglars from your home during the Christmas period.
Install CCTV Cameras
CCTV monitoring equipment such as security cameras is an excellent way to deter criminals away from your home, as they can suggest a strong security presence and burglars are less likely to steal from houses with a noticeable CCTV system in place. CCTV cameras can also survey any blind spots on your property. And the footage recorded from these cameras can be used as evidence if a crime has been committed.
Install Security Alarms
Another great way to improve your home security is by installing security alarms near the entrance of your property. Intruder alarms deter burglars as they are put off by the loud noises that alarms make when any movement is detected.
Double Lock All Windows And Doors
Burglars often break into houses through unlocked windows and doors. So, it is important that before you go out or go to sleep you check that all your windows and doors are locked or double-locked. Using a secondary lock can increase your home security as it can make it harder for thieves to break in.
Look Out For Burglar Symbols
It has been discovered that burglars will sometimes mark houses that they are planning on robbing by drawing different codes and symbols. These codes are often drawn in paint or chalk, and they will often be drawn in the colours blue and white. One way to stay ahead of robbers is by doing research into these codes and keeping an eye out if any appear on your property. If you do happen to see any burglar markings on your home, take a picture of the markings and let the police know. After you have contacted the police, remove the markings from your home.
Install Security Lights On Your Property
Similarly, to security alarms and cameras, security lights can stop burglars away from your property. As burglars don’t like attention, they will be scared away by the light that security lights shine when movement is detected. Security lights are also a useful deterrent as they can give the impression that someone is home.
Don’t Hide A Key Outside
Some people may hide a spare key outside their homes in case of emergencies. Burglars will often look for and use spare keys to break into houses. So, it is important that you avoid placing a spare key outside your home. If you do decide to put a key outside, consider placing it in a secure area such as a key safe.
Be Careful About What You Post On Social Media
Although it can be fun to post about your Christmas gifts and decorations on social media, it can also be a bigger danger than you think. Many thieves will use social media to find potential targets and to find out when people aren’t home. So, it is important that you take care when using social media and avoid mentioning too much personal information such as your home address.
Keep Your Gifts Out Of Site
Another important tip to follow is to make sure that all your gifts are kept out of site. Many people may place their Christmas tree and gifts in front of a window for a more scenic scene. However, this can attract thieves to your property. So, it is important, that you make sure all your gifts are kept out of site and that they are stored in a secure area.
Keep Your Digital Alarms Keypads Clean
Digital alarms are a huge advantage to home security, however, forgetting to clean your keypad is a security risk as it can make it easier for thieves to guess your password, thus making it easier for them to break into your home. To avoid this, you should frequently clean your keypads.
If You’re Away Get Someone You Trust To Watch Your Property
If you are spending the holidays away from home, consider asking someone to keep an eye on your property. You should ask someone you trusted such as a family member, friend, or neighbour. Having someone watch your property can help you feel more comfortable with being away. And if anything suspicious does happen they will be able to contact the police for you.
Take Care When Putting Up Christmas Lights
Putting Christmas lights up around your property can be a fun activity but a common mistake some homeowners make is feeding the cable through a gap within an open window. Burglars can use this open gap from the window to break into your home. So, it is important that you take care when putting up your lights. To avoid burglars consider placing an outer power source to power your lights rather than feeding them through a window or use battery or solar power lights instead of cable Christmas lights.
Make Sure To Also Secure Your Gardens, Sheds, And Garages
Many people concentrate on having home security in place for their home but often forget about other areas on their property such as their sheds, gardens, and garages. These areas are some of the most common places that burglars will use to break into your home. So, it is extremely important that you make sure all areas of your home are secure. Some of the best ways to secure these areas are by:
- Placing high-quality locks or padlocks on sheds, garages, and garden gates.
- Having security lights shine on these areas.
- Installing CCTV near these areas.
How To Secure Christmas Decorations From Theft?
Although thieves mostly steal presents during Christmas, it has been known that they will also target outdoor Christmas decorations as well. Some of the best ways to protect your Christmas decorations from thieves are:
- Use locking cords to tie down your decorations.
- Use tie-downs to secure your decorations.
- Use weights to anchor your decorations
- Place security signs near your decorations.
- Install a security camera on your property to deter thieves.
To stay up to date with all the latest safety tips and guides, check out our news page where you can find articles about how to keep your home secure when you’re away and how you can stay safe during the Black Friday sales.
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