The holiday season is upon us, which means you might be spending a lot of time away from home. It also means that thieves are on high alert for opportunities to burgle homes.
Fortunately, we have collected some of our best tips to ensure your home is as secure as possible over the festive season.
How to Enhance Your Home’s Security Over the December Period
- Watch What You Share on Social Media. It’s hard to believe but a significant number of burglaries occur because criminals knew the homeowners would be away. Be careful about how much information you share on social media – you never know who is keeping an eye out. And if you do want to share, make sure your privacy settings are up to date.
- Install a Security System. A security system is always a sound investment, regardless of the time of year. A monitored security system is ideal for when you plan to go on vacation. This way, if the alarm is activated, security guards will respond immediately. There is also the option of a smart security system, which allows you to monitor your home from your smartphone.
- Meet Your Neighbors. There is no better time to meet your neighbors than the festive season. Bake some cookies and go and introduce yourself. This is also a good way for you to let them know when you will be away so that they can keep an eye on your home from a distance.
- Protect Your Packages. With all the sales that take place at this time of the year, thieves know that packages are always lying around. Make it harder for your packages to be stolen by installing a video doorbell or by purchasing a smart delivery box from brands such as Yale.
- Evaluate Your Lighting. When the lights are on inside a home, criminals are less likely to try their luck. Placing one or two indoor and outdoor lights on a timer while you are away from home can keep your valuables safer over the festive season. If possible, it’s also advisable to install motion sensor lights outside your home to prevent intruders from getting close at all.
- Lock Those Windows. Windows are one of the easiest access points for criminals, so if your windows don’t already have locks, now is a good time to install them. Locks are easy to install and will make it that much harder for your home to be burgled.
- Put a Hold on Your Mail. Mailing piling up is a clear indicator that nobody is at home. If possible, put a hold on all your mail until you are back from your vacation – this includes newspapers.
- Leave a Spare Key with Someone You Trust. Instead of leaving your spare key hidden in its usual spot, rather leave it with someone you know and trust. Intruders will look around for a hidden key before they try any other measures.
- Don’t Forget to Secure Your Garage. The garage is another entry point that criminals like to try since the interleading door in a garage is hardly ever locked. Make a point of locking your garage and any interleading doors before you head off on your vacation.
By applying these basic tips, you will be able to enjoy your vacation that much more. It’s also never a bad idea to check the integrity of the locks on all your external doors beforehand so that you can have them repaired or replaced before your vacation.
If you need any assistance with keys and locks, contact Wynwood Locksmith on 786-358-6116.