The holiday season is often a time of joy, family gatherings, and celebrations. However, for burglars, the holidays represent an opportunity. Many homeowners travel for the holidays or become preoccupied with the festivities, leaving their homes vulnerable to break-ins. The increased shopping activity, valuable presents, and time away from home make it a prime target for criminals looking to exploit these vulnerabilities.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore how to protect your home from burglars during the holiday season. By implementing preventative measures and being mindful of your surroundings, you can minimize the risk of a break-in and ensure that your home remains secure.
Be Discreet About Your Plans
Avoid Broadcasting Your Absence
One of the most important things to remember when preparing for a holiday trip is to avoid sharing your travel plans publicly. While it's natural to want to share the excitement with friends and family, posting about your vacation on social media can alert potential burglars that your home will be unoccupied for an extended period.
Instead of broadcasting your absence in real-time, consider sharing photos and updates after you've returned home. Burglars often scour social media platforms for clues about which homes might be vacant, and this information can make your property a target.
Use a Trusted Neighbor or Friend to House-Sit
If you have a trusted neighbor or friend, consider asking them to house-sit while you're away. This person can collect your mail, water plants, take in deliveries, and make it appear as if someone is always home. If a neighbor is not an option, consider hiring a house-sitting service that specializes in providing security for homes while their owners are away.
Secure Entry Points
Strengthen Doors and Windows
Burglars often gain entry to homes through weak doors and windows. Reinforcing these entry points is essential in preventing unauthorized access.
Upgrade Your Locks
Standard locks on doors and windows can often be bypassed with the right tools. For added security, consider upgrading to high-quality deadbolts, which are much more difficult to pick. If you haven't already, replace old locks with more modern systems, such as smart locks, which offer additional security features like remote control access and monitoring.
Reinforce Your Door Frames
Even the strongest lock can be compromised if the door frame is weak. Reinforce your door frames with long screws and a sturdy strike plate to make it more difficult for burglars to force the door open. You can also install a security bar or a door jammer to prevent entry, especially when you're away for an extended period.
Secure Sliding Doors
Sliding doors are often targeted by burglars because their locks can be easily bypassed. To secure sliding doors, place a metal or wooden bar in the track to prevent them from being forced open. You can also install additional locks specifically designed for sliding doors.
Secure Windows
Windows are another entry point that burglars may target. Ensure that all windows, especially on the ground floor, are locked securely. If you have older windows with outdated locks, consider replacing them with more secure models. Additionally, installing window security film can help prevent burglars from easily breaking the glass. This film holds the glass in place even if it shatters, making it harder to gain entry.
Utilize Lighting to Deter Intruders
Install Motion-Sensor Lights
Burglars typically prefer to operate in the dark, so installing motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of your home can deter criminal activity. These lights automatically illuminate when someone approaches, startling potential intruders and drawing attention to suspicious behavior.
Place motion sensors near entry points such as doors, windows, and the garage. Make sure that the lights are positioned high enough to cover all areas of your yard and pathways. Additionally, consider placing lights in your driveway and along the walkway to make it difficult for burglars to approach your home without being seen.
Use Timers for Indoor Lights
Another way to create the illusion that someone is home is by using timers for your indoor lights. Set timers to turn lights on and off at various intervals throughout the evening to simulate regular activity in your home. You can also set timers for radios or televisions to create noise inside the house.
Consider Smart Lighting Systems
For added control, you may want to invest in a smart lighting system that can be controlled remotely via your smartphone. This allows you to adjust your lighting even when you're not at home, creating the impression that the house is occupied. Many smart systems can be programmed to turn on and off based on your schedule, further enhancing your home's security.
Secure the Exterior of Your Home
Trim Shrubs and Trees
Overgrown bushes and trees can provide burglars with places to hide while they attempt to break into your home. Trimming back shrubs and trees around windows and doors not only improves the aesthetics of your home but also removes hiding spots for intruders.
Ensure that bushes near windows are trimmed short, and keep tree branches away from roofs and upper windows. This will make it more difficult for burglars to climb into your home or hide out of sight while attempting to break in.
Install a Fence or Gate
A sturdy fence or gate can provide an additional layer of security for your home. If you have a backyard, make sure that your fence is tall enough to prevent burglars from easily climbing over. A locked gate adds another level of protection, especially if you have a side or back entrance to your property.
If your home doesn't have a fence, consider installing one along the perimeter to establish clear boundaries. Fencing not only enhances security but also helps deter burglars from accessing your property in the first place.
Use Thorny Plants as a Natural Barrier
If you're looking for a more natural deterrent, consider planting thorny plants such as rose bushes, holly, or barberry near windows and doors. These plants make it more difficult for burglars to approach without getting pricked, and their dense foliage can block the view of potential intruders.
Protect Valuables and Gifts
Don't Leave Gifts Visible
One of the easiest ways to make your home a target is to leave presents or valuables in plain sight, especially near windows. Burglars may be more likely to break into a home if they can see expensive electronics, jewelry, or wrapped gifts sitting near a window or on the front porch.
Make sure that all gifts are stored out of sight, preferably in a closet or a safe place. If you're planning to have gifts displayed in your home for family gatherings, keep curtains or blinds closed to prevent anyone from peeking inside.
Invest in a Safe for Important Items
Consider investing in a safe to store your most valuable items, such as documents, jewelry, or cash. A high-quality safe can offer protection against both burglars and fire, ensuring that your valuables are safe whether you're at home or away for the holidays.
Track Your Valuable Electronics
If you receive expensive electronics or gadgets during the holiday season, make sure to keep track of them by recording their serial numbers. This information can help authorities recover stolen items if your home is burglarized. Many electronics companies also offer services that allow you to register your devices online, making it easier to trace them in the event of theft.
Be Mindful of Deliveries
Don't Let Packages Pile Up
The holidays often mean an increase in online shopping, and while it's convenient, it can also be a sign to burglars that no one is home. To prevent your packages from being stolen, consider using a secure delivery location such as a trusted neighbor's house or a lockbox specifically designed for packages.
Alternatively, many delivery services offer tracking notifications that alert you when your package has been delivered. If possible, try to schedule deliveries for times when someone will be home to receive them. Some services also offer the option of leaving packages in discreet locations, like behind a porch railing or inside a gated yard.
Consider Using Package Lockers
For frequent online shoppers, using package lockers can be a smart way to ensure secure delivery. Many major delivery services now offer package lockers, which are secure locations where parcels are dropped off and can be retrieved at your convenience. These lockers provide a safe alternative to leaving packages on your doorstep.
Establish a Neighborhood Watch Program
Partner with Neighbors
A neighborhood watch program is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries during the holidays. When neighbors work together, they can keep an eye on each other's homes and alert each other to suspicious activity. Consider organizing a neighborhood watch group and sharing contact information with your neighbors.
Stay in communication, especially if one of you will be traveling during the holidays. If you notice anything unusual, such as unfamiliar cars parked nearby or unfamiliar people walking around the neighborhood, alert your neighbors and the local authorities immediately.
Secure Your Garage
Lock Your Garage Door
Don't forget to secure your garage. Many people leave their garage doors open, assuming they are safe, but garages often house valuable items such as cars, tools, and equipment. Make sure that your garage door is securely closed and locked at all times.
If your garage has an automatic opener, ensure that it has a rolling code feature to prevent burglars from hacking into it. If possible, install additional locks or deadbolts on the inside of your garage door for added security.
Keep Garage Windows Covered
Garage windows are an easy target for burglars looking to steal valuable items. Keep your garage windows covered with blinds or curtains to prevent anyone from looking inside. If you don't want to cover the windows completely, use frosted glass or security film to obscure the view.
Conclusion
The holiday season should be a time for celebration, not stress over the safety of your home. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can significantly reduce the risk of a break-in and ensure that your home is secure. From securing entry points to using lighting and collaborating with neighbors, there are many ways to protect your home without relying on high-tech security systems. Stay vigilant, be proactive, and enjoy a safe and joyful holiday season.