Essential Tips to Protect Your Home This Christmas Season
The festive season brings joy and celebration, but it also requires careful attention to home security Christmas preparations. Unfortunately, burglars are more active during the holidays when homes contain expensive gifts and families travel away. These expert home security Christmas tips will help safeguard your property and valuables during the festive period.
Hide Gifts from Street View
Placing Christmas presents under the tree is a festive tradition. However, displaying them where they’re visible from the street can attract unwanted attention from burglars.
Position your Christmas tree away from windows that face the road. This simple home security Christmas measure keeps gifts out of sight from potential thieves passing by. If you must place the tree near a window, close curtains or blinds at night.
Consider keeping expensive gifts hidden until Christmas Day. Store them in cupboards or rooms away from ground-floor windows.
Install Christmas Lights Safely
Twinkling lights create holiday magic, but safety comes first. Ensure your lights are securely installed using outdoor electrical sockets designed for external use.
Never run electrical cords through windows or doors left partially open. This compromises both your safety and security. Burglars look for easy entry points, and partially open windows or doors invite break-ins.
The Electrical Safety First charity provides guidance on safe Christmas light installation to protect your home.
Dispose of Packaging Carefully
After unwrapping presents, packaging disposal becomes a home security Christmas concern. Empty boxes from expensive electronics tell burglars exactly what valuables are inside your home.
Don’t leave packaging by the curb for days before collection. Boxes from TVs, laptops, or gaming consoles advertise your new purchases to potential thieves.
Store empty boxes in your garage or shed until collection day. Break down large boxes to make them less obvious. This simple step protects your home security Christmas period significantly.
Avoid Social Media Oversharing
Many families travel during the holidays. However, announcing your absence on social media creates security risks. Posting “Away for Christmas!” tells strangers your home sits empty.
Wait until you return home before sharing holiday photos or updates. This protects your property while you’re away enjoying festivities.
According to Action Fraud, burglars actively monitor social media for homes left vacant during holidays.
Adjust your social media privacy settings too. Ensure only trusted friends can see your posts, not the general public.
Create the Appearance of Occupancy
Making your home look occupied is an effective home security Christmas strategy. Burglars target empty properties, so creating activity deters them.
Use timer switches for your lights. Set them to turn on and off at realistic times throughout the evening. This gives the impression someone is home.
Install outdoor lights with dusk-to-dawn sensors. These automatically illuminate your property at night, suggesting occupancy. Motion-sensor lights work even better, activating when movement is detected.
Fake TV devices emit flickering light that mimics television viewing. Placed in your living room, they create convincing signs of activity.
Ask a trusted neighbour to park in your driveway occasionally. This adds to the occupied appearance and provides extra vigilance.
Strengthen Your Door and Window Security
Before the holidays, check all your locks work properly. Test doors and windows to ensure they close and lock securely.
Upgrade to British Standard locks if your current ones are old or weak. Residential locksmith services can assess your security and recommend improvements.
Fit window locks on all ground-floor windows. These prevent burglars from simply forcing windows open. Secure patio doors with additional locks or security bars.
Don’t hide spare keys outside. Burglars know all the common hiding spots like plant pots, under mats, or fake rocks. Instead, leave a spare key with a trusted neighbour.
Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Even when you’re home, keep valuable items away from windows. Laptops, tablets, and jewellery on display tempt opportunistic thieves.
Close curtains and blinds at night. This prevents people from seeing inside your home and spotting expensive possessions.
If you receive valuable gifts, photograph them and record serial numbers. This helps police recover items if they’re stolen and aids insurance claims.
Consider installing a home safe for jewellery, passports, and important documents. Bolt it to the floor or wall so thieves can’t simply carry it away.
Have Emergency Locksmith Details Ready
The hustle of the holiday season means keys often get misplaced or forgotten. Don’t risk being locked out in the cold during Christmas.
Save the contact details of a reliable 24-hour emergency locksmith in your phone now. Many locksmiths offer services even on Christmas Day for genuine emergencies.
At Lockmate Locksmiths, we provide emergency callout services across Cheshire and Wirral throughout the festive period.
Choose an OFQUAL-approved locksmith you can trust. Check their credentials and reviews before you need them.
Check Your Home Insurance
Review your home insurance policy before Christmas. Ensure it covers the full value of your possessions, including new gifts.
Some policies require specific security measures like approved locks or burglar alarms. Check you meet these requirements to avoid invalidating your cover.
The Association of British Insurers offers guidance on home insurance and security requirements.
Photograph valuable gifts for insurance purposes. Keep receipts in a safe place as proof of purchase and value.
Stay Vigilant During the Festive Season
Home security Christmas precautions help you enjoy the holidays with peace of mind. Burglars are more active during this period, but simple measures significantly reduce your risk.
Lock doors and windows every time you leave home. Set your burglar alarm if you have one. Check your property is secure before going to bed.
If you see suspicious activity in your neighbourhood, report it to the police. Community vigilance helps protect everyone during the festive season.
Conclusion
Following these home security Christmas tips helps protect your home and valuables during the festive season. Taking a few simple precautions allows you to focus on enjoying time with family and friends.
From hiding gifts to creating the appearance of occupancy, these measures deter burglars effectively. Don’t let security concerns spoil your Christmas celebrations.
Need professional advice on home security Christmas preparations? Contact Lockmate Locksmiths for expert guidance on protecting your Cheshire or Wirral home this festive season.