It's that time of year when the only person you want to 'sneak in' to your home is Santa. Christmas time is the busiest time of year for Burglars (there is around a 25% increase during the Christmas period). Some simple precautionary steps will ensure that you will have a jolly and festive Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Remember Burglars and thieves will be put off if they think you are vigilant and secure.
Inside your home
- Consider electronic light timers to activate inside lights when your away from your home.
- Leave a radio on inside your home which gives the sense that someone is home.
- Keep curtains closed at night.
- Keep all Christmas presents, valuables and keys out of sight and not near any windows or doors for easy access.
Outside your home
- Do not hide spare keys outside under plant pots or door mats.
- Consider installing exterior motion sensor LED lights.
- Do not leave expensive wrapping paper or packaging outside with your bins, this will give burglars an idea of what expensive goods you have purchased. Consider taking to a recycling centre.
- Deliveries - do not order goods whilst you are away.
- Invest in good security products such as good quality window and door locks, an alarm or even a CCTV system.
- Driveway - reverse your car onto drive when unloading Christmas presents into your home.
- Make sure sheds and garages are locked and secured. Burglars like garden tools to use in 'break-ins'.
Staying at Home over Christmas
- Beware of cold callers and donation collectors – Don't let them in!
- Report any suspicious activity to neighbours, local police using 101. In an emergency dial 999.
- Triple check door chains and locks.
- Be a good neighbour - identify any of your neighbours who are either away, alone or potentially vulnerable and check on them.
Travelling over Christmas
- Don't leave your car unattended with the engine running if you are defrosting it.
- If you are away for an extended period - notify your neighbours and ask them to push junk mail or collect unexpected deliveries left on door step.
- Leave a contact number for a trustworthy neighbour in case of emergency.
- If you have other cars in the household that aren't being used hide the car keys until you return.
- Cancel any deliveries.
- Don't advertise over social media that you are away and keep your accounts locked to the public.
- Last minute house security check prior to departure i.e. all windows, doors, garages and outbuildings locked and secure.
- Consider heating on timed to prevent frozen pipes.