Christmas should be a time to switch off and enjoy a break. Unfortunately, it’s also a time when break-ins and opportunistic theft tend to rise. Shorter days, homes full of new gifts and people travelling to see family can all create openings for thieves.
To help you stay secure, we’re sharing six practical steps to improve your home security this Christmas – whether you’re relaxing at home or spending time away.
1. Reduce your appeal
Make it harder for anyone to see something worth taking.
- Keep valuables, gift bags and devices out of sight from windows
- Avoid leaving parcels visible in porches or hallways
- Keep your vehicle tidy and empty when parked on the drive
- Store car keys well away from doors and windows to reduce the risk of relay attacks
A simple step like using a signal-blocking pouch for car keys can stop thieves cloning signals through windows, helping protect both your car and anything stored inside it.
2. Limit access
A quick check of your home’s entry points can remove easy opportunities.
- Lock doors, windows and side gates
- Make sure garages and garden storage areas are secure
- Bring in tools, ladders or loose items that could be used to force entry
Garage doors are notorious points of weakness which typically allow quick access to high value items. Consider additional protection using a ‘Garage Defender’ – an anchored barrier which blocks forced entry.
If you’re running Christmas lights outside, avoid trailing the cable through a slightly open window. Use weatherproof sockets where you can, or run cables through a locked vent rather than leaving a window ajar.
3. Improve your deterrent factor
The appearance of active security goes a long way. Motion-activated lighting can make your home look lived in and immediately disrupt anyone approaching the property.
A visible CCTV or smart doorbell camera is another strong deterrent. Even the presence of a camera often encourages thieves to move on in search of an easier target.
Simple signage also helps. A small notice showing that CCTV or alarms are in use signals that your home is monitored and that any attempt at entry is likely to be noticed.
If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s working correctly and connected to your phone for notifications. Real-time alerts can help you act quickly if something doesn’t look right.
Most thieves will move on quickly if a property looks well lit, well maintained and well monitored.
4. Get smart
Smart tech is now one of the easiest ways to secure a home.
A doorbell or external camera that sends notifications to your phone can give you peace of mind when you’re away or upstairs with the family. If you already have an alarm, check that alerts are switched on and going to the right device.
Inside the home, smart plugs or timers on lamps can help create natural-looking light patterns. Many apps have a random setting that prevents predictable routines, which is ideal when you’re away overnight.
5. Ask for help
A trusted neighbour can make a big difference if you’re away.
Ask them to:
- collect post and parcels
- adjust curtains or blinds
- put bins out or bring them in
Small changes in a home’s appearance help create the sense that someone is coming and going, which is often enough to deter opportunistic thieves.
6. Don’t advertise that your home is vacant
Be mindful of what you share online. Posting photos while you’re away can unintentionally signal that your home is empty – and in some cases, can even invalidate your home insurance.
Check:
- privacy settings on social media
- location tagging
- what your children might be sharing on their accounts
You don’t have to avoid posting altogether, but waiting until you’re back at home is a simple way to reduce risk.
Christmas should feel safe. While no measures can remove risk completely, taking a few simple steps can make your home far less appealing to potential thieves.
