Dec 15, 2016

With the big day racing ever closer, now is the perfect time to review your home security arrangements – to cut the likelihood of your home being targeted.

Unsurprisingly, this is peak time for burglars.

Longer nights give thieves the cover by darkness they don’t get in the summer months. And with Christmas around the corner, homes across the region are hiding all new bikes, tablets, and other expensive gifts and gadgets ready to surprise loved ones on Christmas day.

Did you know it can take just 60 seconds for thieves to steal from your home?

So take steps NOW to ensure you’re not one of the unlucky families who get burgled this Christmas with our top 7 preventative tips.

1. Hide gifts

Take note of what prying eyes can see through your doors and windows. Ensure no valuables can be seen – even if that means moving your Christmas tree somewhere else. Remember, the vast majority of burglaries are opportunistic. So don’t tempt criminals by showing them a window display that’s too good to resist. This applies post Christmas too. Empty boxes are an advertisement for the goodies inside so where possible, keep bins closed and empty packaging discrete.

2. Don’t announce on social

Thieves don’t want to get caught. If they think they’ve got a good chance of getting in and out undisturbed, they’re more likely to go for it. Empty houses are ideal targets so don’t give thieves an easy ride by announcing you’re on holiday or not at home. Instead, check your security settings and consider the possible consequences before you hit publish on your social platforms.

3. Get covered

Given the extra valuables you hold in the house over the festive season, it’s well worth checking with your insurance company that you’re covered. A quick phone call is a great way to get that peace of mind – should the worst happen.

4. Lock up

It’s easy to get carried away by the season of goodwill and forget what you’d normally do. Don’t let your standards slip. Instead, always lock your doors and windows when you leave your home to ensure it’s safely secured.

5. Stay vigilant

Keep an eye on your neighbourhood during the festive season. If you spot suspicious activity or behaviour, don’t be afraid to call the police. It’s always better to be safe, than sorry.

6. Look occupied

Remember what I said about burglars preferring empty homes? At this time of the year, we’re more likely to be out and about at office parties, social events, or visiting friends and family. So if you can’t be at home, make it look as though someone is in. You can do this by putting lights on timers. This isn’t a foolproof strategy, but it can be enough to sow the seeds of doubt and persuade a burglar to change their mind.

7. Set your alarm

If you have an intruder alarm, always remember to set it when you leave the house or when you go to bed. You’ll sleep that little bit easier knowing you’ll be alerted if someone tries to break in. An alarm is great for peace of mind. I always say a home talks to you at night. For example, you hear odd noises from contracting pipes or floorboards creak. With an alarm, if noises don’t trigger it, you can turn over and go back to sleep safe in the knowledge that nothing sinister is going on. Without an alarm, you can lie awake wondering. It’s not a nice feeling.

If you don’t yet have an intruder alarm in your house, why not give us a call to discuss the options? An investment in an intruder alarm could make all the difference this Christmas – and the next, and the next…

If you’d like to chat with one of our Home Security experts, simply give us a call on 0800 852 7434. We’ve been helping local families (like yours) stay safe for the last 30 years – and we’d love to help yours too.

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