Prepare Early for the Increase in Holiday Season BurglariesNovember 17, 2022
The holiday season is the time for beautiful lights and family gatherings, but unfortunately, it’s also the season for a notable uptick in burglaries. While it’s important to focus on the good things in life this season, it’s every bit as important to protect your home and family from intruders. Below are some excellent tips for preventing holiday season burglaries.
Use Secondary Locks on Doors & Windows
If your doors and windows don’t have a secondary locking system – deadbolts, dowels, and window pins for example – now is the time to install them. Once they’re installed, make sure to use them, too. Make it a habit to keep doors and windows locked, even when you are home. Brazen burglars apprise their potential victims, and many aren’t afraid to enter a home with someone still inside.
Install a Monitored Security System
Of all the things you can do to protect your property and family from burglars or other intruders, installing a monitored security system is the best. These systems include cameras, window sensors, and door lock sensors that are triggered upon unauthorized entry. Even if you aren’t home when the burglary takes place, the police will be notified and dispatched to your address to apprehend the thieves. Look for a company that offers full accreditation and UL listing, and be sure that operators are available around the clock – even overnight, on weekends, and on holidays.
Use Best Practices for Answering Your Door
If a stranger knocks on your door or rings your doorbell, remember that you are under no obligation to open the door. You should always use caution and be suspicious of any sales calls or deliveries that you were not expecting. Many burglars attempt to pose as local utility service providers or even police officers to enter your home. Before providing any information or opening the door, contact the company they claim to be with and ask if they have dispatched someone to your home. Even better, ask the individual at the door for an employee number or badge number before calling.
Make Your Home Look Lived In When You Are Away
If you’re traveling for the holidays, it’s important to make your home appear “lived in” for the duration of your trip. The best way to do this is to put your lights on timers so that they come on and turn off automatically at random times. A pile of mail in the mailbox is another dead giveaway, so be sure you plan for the post office to hold your mail or ask a trusted friend to retrieve it. Don’t announce your vacation on social media until you’ve returned as this can make your house a target. Finally, ask a neighbor or friend you trust to go to your home once every day or two and look for things that are out of place or unusual.
Thieves know that people all across the country are buying gifts to give to their friends and family this season, and that’s why burglaries see sharp upticks during the holidays. By installing a security system, making your home look lived in, and using secondary locks on all your windows and doors, you can keep your home and family safer.