The holiday season is just around the corner, and you know what that means: family time, festivities, and, of course, decorations!
But it is also the perfect season for burglars and intruders to target homes and get their hands on what they can. So, as you gear up for the holidays, make sure your home security is at the top of your to-do list.
Whether you are heading out for a vacation, hosting parties, or maybe enjoying by yourself, these tips will ensure that nothing — or no one — enters your home except for joy.
1. Upgrade Your Home Security System
A reliable security system is your first line of defense. Around 80% of thieves target homes without one, and 60% of convicted burglars admit they move on if they see a system in place.
If you don’t want to be an easy target, there are some pretty reliable home security options, from DIY systems like Ring to professionally installed systems like Vivint and Xfinity and even higher-end ones like ADT.
For a good balance of cost and coverage, Xfinity is a solid choice. Xfinity customer service is also available 24/7 to ensure your system is set up properly and optimized for maximum protection, especially during the holidays.
2. Keep Your Travel Plans Offline
We understand that all the excitement could entice you into sharing your holiday plans with the world and flaunt those airplane tickets and cute airport looks. But maybe wait to post until you’re back home? Don’t give intruders a hint that you’ll be away — it’s like an open invitation for them to sneak around.
You’d be shocked at how many thefts happen every day because people (or their kids) advertise travel Holiday plans online, giving intruders a heads-up. So, make sure neither you nor your kids are giving the green light to uninvited guests.
3. Notify a Neighbor You Trust
The best part about living in a community is looking out for each other. If you are traveling for the holidays, let your trusted neighbors know and ask them to keep an eye on your place. Share your contact information so they can alert you in case something unusual happens around your property. They can also call security in an emergency if you’re unreachable.
4. Use Smart Lighting to Throw Off Intruders
Lights ON generally signal that someone is at home — and it’s the holiday season anyway, so the more lights, the merrier! Having smart lights gives you the added benefit of turning them on and off remotely at random times, mimicking the pattern of people actually being present in the house. This simple hack can ward off potential intruders looking for an easy target.
5. Install Surveillance Cameras
One of the most effective ways to keep an eye on your home is to have a surveillance camera system installed. Modern cameras come with advanced features like night vision, 24/7 recording, and HD video; they can even notify you in case of unusual movement.
Many home security systems come with surveillance cameras, and you can integrate them to monitor your home easily via your phone, no matter where you are during the holidays.
6. Hide Your Valuables
It may seem obvious, but many people forget to hide their valuables during the holidays, especially when they’re at home. While being at home reduces the likelihood of an intrusion, being a little extra cautious never hurts, right? Hide all your valuable items, such as gadgets, important documents, jewelry, and anything else you don’t want to lose before the festivities begin. Store them in a safe or somewhere out of plain sight to keep them secure.
7. Lastly, Secure Your Doors and Windows
Last but not least, make sure to properly secure your doors and windows. It might sound basic, but trust us when we tell you that just last year, around 37% of burglars gained access to homes without “unlawful entry.” Sounds like sneaking in through an unlocked door or window to us.
Before you head out, double-check that all windows and doors are locked, and make it as hard as you can for any intruder to break in.
We hope these tips give you the relief you deserve, knowing your home is safe and secure. Happy holidays!