The festive season is a time for joy, family gatherings, and celebration. However, at Security Masters, we know it is also a peak period for burglars who take advantage of the distractions and vulnerabilities that come with this time of year. We’ve seen firsthand how the holiday season can increase the risk of burglary and the devastating impact crime can have on families.
Rather than dwell on the problems, this blog aims to share why burglaries are more common during Christmas and provide tips to safeguard your home. Consider it a gift from us and an excuse to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy, secure New Year!
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So, Why Are Burglaries More Common Over Christmas?
There are several reasons why criminals enjoy the festive period. Santa has been, of course, and families may be distracted by socialising. Long, dark nights help, too, but let us take each reason in turn.
Homes Are Filled with High-Value Items
There are several reasons why criminals enjoy the festive period. Santa has been, of course, and families may be distracted by socialising. Long, dark nights help, too, but let us take each reason in turn.
Increased Absence from Homes
Many people travel to visit family and friends during the holidays, leaving homes empty for extended periods. Empty houses are prime targets for burglars, especially when they show tell-tale signs like darkened windows or overflowing mailboxes.
Pro Tip: Use timers for lights and ask a neighbour to collect your post while you’re away to imply your property is occupied, even if it’s not.
Distracted and Busy Homeowners
Festive activities mean many homeowners are preoccupied with shopping, cooking, hosting, and more. Security can often fall by the wayside, alarms can be left off, doors can be left unlocked, and windows can be left open. Burglars only need the smallest opportunities to strike.
Pro Tip: Make locking doors, closing windows and turning on the alarm part of your family’s Christmas routine.
Long, Dark Winter Nights
The sun sets early over Christmas, and darkness provides the perfect cover for burglars to operate unnoticed. Darkness conceals and masks suspicious activity in and around residential areas. This is especially true if your home has a large garden or similar space to the rear or side.
Pro Tip: Install outdoor security lighting in vulnerable areas to deter potential intruders. Consider motion-detecting audio alarms too.
Steps to Secure Your Home This Christmas
The following will help you feel secure over the festive period. And if you are worried about spoiling the Christmas magic, don’t worry. It’s a well-known fact across the security industry that Santa Claus has special permission to slide down the chimney right past any security measures you might put in place.
Upgrade Your Locks
Inadequate or outdated locks make burglary easier than it should be. Strong, modern locks fitted by a master locksmith can be a significant deterrent for criminals in the know. At Security Masters, we help you fit mortice locks, cylinder locks, uPVC door locks, window locks, smart electronic locks and more.
Did You Know?
Out-of-date and unsuitable locks can invalidate your home and contents insurance. It pays to check and, if necessary, install approved options to avoid an unpleasant surprise when you make a claim.
Install a Home Security System
A home security system is one of the most effective ways to protect your property at any time of year, let alone Christmas. CCTV cameras can keep an eye on your property 24/7 and capture footage of any suspicious activity. Alarms can scare off burglars, alert neighbours and even contact the police directly. Smart Home Integration means you can manage your home security remotely apps these days.
Did You Know?
Sales of Smart home technology, such as doorbell cameras, motion sensors, and smart locks, have skyrocketed in recent years. The market is expected to be worth $2 Billion by 2029.
Don’t Forget Garages & Sheds
Burglars needn’t go into your house to steal valuable items. Many homeowners don’t consider their outside buildings when planning their home security and find out, to their cost, that they are attractive to burglars. Check how secure they are, along with any fences and gates around your property. Outdoor lighting is helpful here, too.
Did You Know?
According to insurance industry figures, over 22,500 garden and shed burglaries have been reported annually since 2019.
Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Posting details about your holiday travel plans or gifts on social media can inadvertently tip off burglars that your home is worth a visit. Avoid sharing details in public that could reveal when your home will be empty or what valuables may be inside.
Did You Know?
Setting your profiles to private so only users who know you can see your updates is an easy way to avoid strangers snooping.
Work with Your Neighbours
Neighbours can be one of your greatest assets in deterring crime. By informing trusted neighbours of your travel plans, you can have a friendly face to keep an eye on your property. You can also ask neighbours to park in your driveway or collect any deliveries to create the appearance you’re at home.
Did You Know?
Formal Neighbour Hood Watch schemes were first formed in 1982. They became a nationally recognised organisation (Neighbourhood and Home Watch) in 2007.
How Security Masters Can Help
We specialise in providing tailored security solutions for homeowners. Here are some of the ways we can help protect your property this Christmas:
Professional Lock Installation
Our expert locksmiths can upgrade your locks to the latest security standards, ensuring your home is well-protected against forced entry.
CCTV and Alarm Systems
We can install state-of-the-art security systems to deter burglars and provide peace of mind. Our systems include remote monitoring capabilities, so you can keep an eye on your home even when you’re away.
Doors, Grilles & Shutters
We can install top-of-the-range security fittings for homeowners, including replacement security and fire doors, steel grilles and window shutters.
Security Survey
We can comprehensively assess your home’s vulnerabilities and recommend practical, cost-effective measures to enhance your security.
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Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
Of course, Christmas should be a time of joy and celebration, and I’m hoping you will have no reason to stress over home security during the festive break.
By taking proactive measures and investing in the right equipment, you can significantly reduce the risk of burglary and enjoy a restful, safe and secure holiday season! We wish you and your family all the best.
