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With the holiday season right around the corner, burglars are on the lookout for unguarded homes or businesses to prey on. Unlike the Grinch, holiday robbers don’t often have a heart that grows three sizes, making it more important than ever to protect your valuables and your loved ones. 

Our security experts have come up with seven useful and easy tips to help keep you safe this holiday season.

1. Don’t leave valuables or gifts on display

Close any window coverings or move any expensive items away from the windows. Anyone looking in from the outside who can easily see big-ticket items could be tempted to find their way inside.

2. Decorate safely  

Consider the fire and safety risks that may be associated with your decorations. Faulty wires or damaged light strands can be a fire hazard, and keeping your outdoor decorations plugged in through a window can create a safety concern. Unplug holiday lights when you are not around to help avoid any concerns for electrical fires.  

3. Curb burglars  

Avoid leaving boxes or packaging for well-known or identifiable items outside your home or business. Put them in a bag or drop them off at a recycling center nearby. Leaving packaging outside is a signal to burglars that a big payoff could be waiting inside.  

4. Be mindful online  

In addition to the previous tip, be mindful of the things you share online. Flaunting expensive gifts on social media can entice people with bad intentions. You should never advertise your exact home address or share it with anyone you don’t know, so avoid posting images that make your address too obvious.  

If you are leaving your house for vacation over the holiday season, remember these vacation tips and avoid sharing about your trip until after you’re home. Posting from another country or town shows that your home is sitting empty.  

If you own a business that will be closed over the holidays, especially for an extended period of time, ensure that all of the proper safety protocols are met. It is also a good idea to test any alarms or sensors prior to an extended absence.

5. Be neighborly  

Having neighbors who watch out for each other and keep an eye on things can be a great way to deter any criminal activity in the area. Consider reaching out to neighbors or other local business owners to strengthen your sense of community. 

6. Put lights on a timer  

Most criminals prefer to work in the cover of darkness. If you are not around in the evening, consider adding smart lightbulbs or managing some lights via an app such as Alarm.com. This can give you the flexibility to control your lights when you are not physically present.  

7. Have a security system in place  

Installing a security system with cameras, motion detectors, and smart monitoring can be the easiest way to truly secure your home or business. While it works all year long to keep you safe, the holidays serve as an added reminder to do so.    

If you have any questions about getting started with a security system or have any questions about these holiday safety tips, give our friendly team a call or fill out the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.  

Have a safe and happy holiday season!