8 Great Holiday Home Security Tips!

Every year between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day we hear of a neighbor who has endured a break-in and theft. While you can’t deter a truly determined criminal, you can take steps to make your home less attractive to potential thieves. Let’s explore 8 great holiday home security tips to help you safeguard your home and enjoy a worry-free holiday season.

1. Lock Those Doors and Windows. It may sound simple, but during the chaos of the holidays, people often forget to lock up. Make it a habit to lock your doors when you leave the house and before bedtime. If you have a security alarm system, use it. Avoid running holiday light extension cords through windows or doors, as this not only poses a fire hazard but also serves as a beacon to burglars searching for easy entry points.

2. Don’t Advertise Online. Whether it’s discussing your travel plans on Facebook, posting photos of your cool new gifts on Instagram, or tweeting about the incredibly long midnight service at church, it all says “easy mark/big payday” to the bad guys. Save the posts and tweets for after the vacation. If you can’t resist social media, at least make sure you talk about your (imaginary) Cousin Ted, the police officer who is staying at your house through the holidays. No one wants to come home to a freezing cold house with the back door wide open and all the presents gone!

3. Be Discreet at Home. Before and after unwrapping your gifts, be cautious about drawing attention to your valuable possessions. While displaying your Christmas tree or menorah in a bay window is a beautiful holiday tradition, ensure that the pile of gifts remains out of sight. There’s no need to tempt thieves with a potential treasure trove of expensive gifts.

4. Recycle Smarts. Are you buying the family a huge tv or game system for the holidays? Be cautious when disposing of the packaging. After unwrapping your gift, break down the box and turn it inside out before recycling it. Nothing attracts criminals more than a conspicuous box by the curb, signaling that you have expensive new toys!

5. Good Garage Habits. Your garage can be an easy entry point for burglars if not properly secured. Make it a habit to keep your garage door closed when not in use. Even if you plan to be away for only a few minutes or allow your children to leave it open during their winter play, remember that valuable items like cars and tools can be stolen from your garage. Additionally, ensure that the door leading from the garage into your house is locked, as an open garage door can provide an enticing opportunity for criminals.

6. Use Your Lights. With today’s smart home automation systems and timers, you can create the illusion that your home is occupied, even when you’re continent away. Whether you opt for traditional timers to schedule your interior and holiday lights or control them remotely through a smartphone app, burglars are more likely to pass by a well-lit, lived-in home in favor of one that appears vacant.

7. Good Neighbors. Your neighbors can be your best allies in home security. If you’re traveling, consider enlisting your neighbors to help. They can collect your mail, maintain your sidewalk and driveway, and take care of your pets. In some cases, a friendly neighbor might even park in your driveway to give the appearance that the home is occupied. When you have a strong connection with your neighbors, they’re more likely to notice any unusual activity, such as open doors or windows that shouldn’t be.

8. Ask for Protection. Before leaving for the holidays, it’s worth notifying your local police department. Many police departments offer services like increased patrols by neighborhood patrol units or daily checks on your home’s security. It’s a small step that can provide extra peace of mind during your travels.

There you have it! These 8 holiday home security tips can help you reduce the risk of becoming a victim of theft during the festive season. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy a happy, safe, and secure holiday season with your loved ones.

The Columbus Team wishes you a wonderful and stress-free holiday season!

Photo by Sweta Meininger