The festive season is a busy time for burglars. They know homes hold valuable presents, and that many people are out or away over the holidays.
Imagine finding all your family’s Christmas gifts gone. A little forethought now keeps the season merry. Here are our tips for beating the burglar.
Never run wires through windows
Outdoor Christmas lights are a lovely tradition, and some streets even run friendly competitions. But trailing an electrical cable through a window to an indoor socket is an open invitation, because it leaves the window open or unlocked and makes breaking in too easy. If you want outdoor lighting, have a power outlet fitted on the outside of the house instead.
Don’t advertise your gifts
Wrapped presents under the tree, sometimes weeks before Christmas Day, make stealing valuables very easy. Keep the tree and gifts away from windows. Wrap some empty boxes to put under the tree, and keep the real presents hidden away.
Christmas security checklist
- Use an outdoor socket, not a cable through a window
- Keep the tree and gifts out of view from outside
- Put lights on timers so the house looks occupied
- Ask a neighbour to park outside if you’re away overnight
- Don’t announce your holiday plans publicly
Make it look like someone’s home
Burglars target empty properties, and at this time of year there are plenty. People are at work, shopping or at parties until late. Use timer switches so lights come on while you’re out. If you’re away overnight, ask a neighbour to park outside your house so it isn’t obvious you’re gone for long.
We can also learn something from Home Alone: don’t broadcast that you’re going on holiday, whether in conversation or online.
Visible security
A visible, reliable system deters criminals in the first place. A modern alarm or CCTV cameras raise the chance of being caught, so burglars tend to move on to an easier target. For more on keeping your system in top shape, read our guide to winter security maintenance.
