How to Prevent Home Burglaries During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it is also a time when home burglaries spike. The combination of people traveling, homes filled with valuable gifts, and the general holiday hustle and bustle creates opportunities for burglars to strike. Protecting your home and belongings is of paramount importance during this time, but with a few preventive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.

In this article, we’ll explore several strategies to keep your home safe during the holiday season, ranging from simple precautions to advanced security systems. By being proactive and vigilant, you can enjoy the holidays without the stress of worrying about potential break-ins.

Strengthen Physical Security

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When it comes to home security, the first line of defense is the physical security of your home. A burglar is far less likely to target a house that appears well-secured. Making sure that your doors, windows, and other entry points are properly reinforced can go a long way in deterring criminals.

1.1. Install Solid Doors and Quality Locks

Your doors are the most vulnerable entry point into your home. If they are weak or poorly secured, burglars will have an easy time gaining access. To fortify your home, consider the following:

Solid Doors: Make sure all exterior doors are made of solid wood or steel. Hollow-core doors are less secure and can be easily kicked in.
Deadbolt Locks: Install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors. These locks provide an added layer of security that regular doorknob locks cannot match.
Strike Plates: Reinforce the door frame with heavy-duty strike plates to prevent burglars from forcing the door open.
Security Bars: If your area is known for break-ins, installing security bars on windows and doors can provide an added level of protection.

1.2. Secure Windows

Windows are another common entry point for burglars, especially if they are left unlocked or unlatched. Securing your windows is crucial to keeping your home safe.

Lock All Windows: Always lock windows when you leave the house or at night. Many burglaries occur when windows are left open or unlocked.
Use Window Sensors: Install window sensors that trigger an alarm when the window is opened. These can be integrated with your security system for additional protection.
Reinforced Glass: Consider replacing your window glass with reinforced or shatterproof glass. If a burglar attempts to break the window, this type of glass makes it more difficult for them to gain entry.

1.3. Install Outdoor Lighting

Burglars tend to shy away from homes that are well-lit, as they fear being noticed. Installing outdoor lighting can serve as both a deterrent and a means of making your home more visible.

Motion-Sensing Lights: Motion-sensing lights around your property, especially near doors, windows, and walkways, can make it more difficult for burglars to approach unnoticed.
Landscape Lighting: Well-lit yards and driveways create a more secure environment by eliminating hiding places for potential intruders.
Timed Lighting: Use timers or smart home lighting systems to simulate your presence when you’re not home. Set lights to turn on and off at various times to make it appear as though someone is inside.

1.4. Secure Garage Doors

Many people forget to secure their garage doors, which can be a major point of entry for burglars. During the holiday season, the garage is often filled with valuable tools, equipment, and sometimes even cars.

Lock Your Garage Door: Always lock your garage door, both manually and electronically. Many modern garage doors have an automatic locking feature that can be engaged for added security.
Install a Security System: Consider installing a security camera or motion sensor in and around your garage to detect any suspicious activity.
Garage Door Sensors: Install sensors that can notify you when the garage door is opened. These sensors can be connected to your home security system for instant alerts.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology has come a long way in terms of home security, and it’s now easier than ever to protect your home from potential burglars. Using smart security devices and systems can help you monitor your home from anywhere and provide real-time alerts when something suspicious happens.

2.1. Smart Security Cameras

Smart security cameras are one of the most effective ways to monitor your home, especially during the holiday season when you’re likely to be traveling. These cameras provide real-time video feeds that you can view on your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

High-Definition Video: Choose cameras with high-definition video and night vision capabilities to ensure you can see clearly both during the day and at night.
Motion Detection: Many modern cameras come with motion detection features that send you alerts when movement is detected around your property.
Remote Access: Ensure that your cameras have remote access capabilities so you can monitor your home from anywhere, whether you’re on vacation or running errands.

2.2. Home Security Systems

Investing in a home security system provides comprehensive protection for your home. These systems often include alarms, sensors, and monitoring services that can notify the authorities in case of a break-in.

24/7 Monitoring: Choose a security system that offers round-the-clock monitoring. Professional monitoring services can alert law enforcement if a break-in is detected, even if you’re not home.
Entry Sensors: Install entry sensors on doors and windows that will trigger the alarm if someone attempts to break in.
Smartphone App Integration: Many home security systems can be controlled through smartphone apps, allowing you to arm or disarm the system, receive notifications, and even view camera footage remotely.

2.3. Smart Locks

Smart locks eliminate the need for traditional keys, offering a more secure and convenient way to manage entry to your home. You can control smart locks remotely, grant temporary access to guests, and receive notifications when the door is unlocked.

Remote Control: Control your smart locks remotely through a smartphone app, allowing you to lock and unlock your doors no matter where you are.
Keyless Entry: Avoid leaving spare keys under the doormat or in easily accessible areas. Smart locks eliminate the risk of someone finding your key.
Access Logs: Some smart locks allow you to monitor who enters and exits your home by providing logs of activity. This feature can be useful if you want to keep track of housekeepers, pet sitters, or other visitors during the holiday season.

2.4. Smart Doorbell Cameras

A smart doorbell camera serves as both a doorbell and a security camera. It allows you to see and communicate with visitors from your smartphone, even if you’re not at home.

Real-Time Video: You can see who’s at your door in real-time, which helps to prevent porch piracy, a common crime during the holiday season.
Two-Way Audio: Many smart doorbell cameras include two-way audio, allowing you to communicate with delivery drivers or anyone else at your door.
Motion Detection: These devices often come with motion detection capabilities, notifying you when someone is at your doorstep, even if they don’t ring the bell.

Protect Your Valuables

During the holiday season, your home may be filled with valuable gifts and decorations, making it a prime target for burglars. Protecting these items is crucial to preventing losses.

3.1. Keep Gifts Out of Sight

One of the most inviting signals for a burglar is a pile of gifts under the tree or visible through your windows. To avoid attracting unwanted attention, make sure that your gifts are stored out of sight.

Store Gifts in Hidden Areas: Before the holiday season, designate an area in your home, such as a closet or storage room, to keep gifts hidden until it’s time to unwrap them.
Avoid Displaying Expensive Items: Don’t display expensive gifts or electronics in windows where they can be seen from the street.

3.2. Use a Safe for Valuables

Valuables such as jewelry, important documents, and electronics should be stored securely in a safe, especially during the holiday season when you’re away from home.

Fireproof and Waterproof Safe: Opt for a safe that is both fireproof and waterproof to protect your valuables from disasters, not just theft.
Bolted Safe: Ensure that your safe is bolted to the floor or another secure location to prevent burglars from simply taking the safe with them.

3.3. Mark Your Property

Using property marking techniques can help you recover stolen items if they are taken from your home.

Engrave Personal Identifiers: Mark valuable items with your name, phone number, or other personal identifiers. This makes it harder for thieves to sell the items and easier for the police to return them if they are recovered.
Use a GPS Tracker: For high-value items like laptops or tablets, consider using GPS tracking software that can help you locate the device if it’s stolen.

Be Mindful of Social Media

While it’s tempting to share the excitement of your holiday plans on social media, it’s important to remember that burglars can use this information to target your home.

4.1. Avoid Sharing Your Vacation Plans

Burglars often monitor social media platforms for clues about when people will be away from home. Avoid posting your vacation plans or travel dates until after you return.

Use Privacy Settings: Ensure that your social media accounts are set to private, so only people you trust can see your posts.
Post After the Fact: Share photos and updates from your trip only after you’ve returned home.

4.2. Be Careful with Check-Ins

While it’s fun to check in at restaurants, airports, or vacation spots, this can signal to burglars that you are away from home.

Skip the Check-In: Avoid checking in at locations while you’re still out of town. Instead, share your experiences once you’re back home and safe.

Ask for Help from Neighbors

Your neighbors can be a valuable asset when it comes to home security, especially during the holidays when many people are traveling.

5.1. Participate in Neighborhood Watch Programs

Many communities have neighborhood watch programs that keep an eye out for suspicious activity. If your neighborhood has one, make sure you’re involved, or consider starting one if there isn’t one in place.

Alert Neighbors About Travel Plans: If you plan to be away for an extended period, let your neighbors know so they can keep an eye on your home.
Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage neighbors to report any suspicious behavior they see in the area, such as unfamiliar vehicles or people loitering around homes.

5.2. Ask for Help with Mail and Deliveries

A pile of mail or packages left on your doorstep is a clear indicator that no one is home. To avoid this, ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail or packages while you’re away.

Hold Mail with USPS: If you’re going away for an extended period, use USPS’s mail hold service to stop mail delivery temporarily.
Schedule Package Deliveries: Many delivery services allow you to schedule packages for a specific delivery time, or you can have them sent to a secure pick-up location instead of your home.

Conclusion

The holiday season should be a time of joy and celebration, not stress and worry about potential break-ins. By strengthening your home’s physical security, using modern technology, protecting valuables, and remaining vigilant, you can reduce the risk of burglary and ensure a safe and secure holiday season.

Take the time to prepare your home now, and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your family, belongings, and property are safe. Whether you’re hosting guests, traveling, or simply enjoying a quiet holiday at home, these strategies will help you prevent home burglaries and protect what matters most.