With the Christmas season now in full swing, we make no apologies about reminding readers of some simple security tips that it’s worth following, to make sure your festivities don’t lose their glitter.
Particularly around this time of year, criminals are on the look-out for bargains – preferably items that don’t have to be bought and paid for in the conventional way, in the shops, but which are ‘freely available’ from other people’s houses.
Ultimately, a security system will provide the best defence against a break-in but, if you don’t yet have one, these seven suggestions should go a long way to making sure your home stays safe during the holiday period.
1. Shut, Lock and Bolt Windows and Doors
Leaving windows open or doors unlocked – especially if they are not within a main sight line - is such an easy mistake to make. But it can come home to bite you, as they provide the easiest and most obvious points of entry for a burglar. Make sure they are locked and bolted, especially if you are going to be away for an extended period over the Christmas and New Year break.
Even if you are around but popping in and out over the festive period, it’s best to check everything’s locked each time you leave the property unattended. Be vigilant. It could prevent you returning to any nasty surprises.
2. Close Curtains and Blinds
Your home may be playing host to family and friends over the holiday period, with the place lit up like a proverbial Christmas tree. With shorter days and longer nights at this time of year, keep curtains and blinds closed more frequently, to help deter opportunistic burglars. As best as possible, don’t advertise to all and sundry, the nice things you own or are about to receive.
3. Make Sure Garages, Sheds, Outbuildings and Vehicles Are Secured
It’s not just your house that needs protecting. Garages, sheds and other outbuildings are often home to a multitude of expensive equipment - cars, bikes, sports equipment, tools, lawnmowers etc. These also make perfect places to store presents before the big day. So, make sure all these locations are well-secured.
This applies equally to your general home security, including your garden fencing, screening or gates that border your property. Is this all up to scratch?
4. Make Your Empty Property Look Occupied
If you are heading out over the Christmas period and your home is left empty for any length of time, make it look like the premises are occupied throughout.
With or without today’s smart phone technology, it’s possible to control the lighting so that it goes on and off at certain times of the day. You could even programme music or the TV to play – all giving the impression there are people in residence.
Cars being moved about on the driveway is also helpful. Maybe you could get a friend or family member to help out with this and to call round to make sure the letterbox doesn’t get clogged up with mail and newspapers.
5. Empty Boxes and Gift Wrappings Need Disposal
When you’ve finished unwrapping all the presents, it’s easy to forget about the disposal of the packaging. Indications that there is newly acquired gadgetry and items of value on the premises can be evident from empty boxes and containers that are left lying around. Take these waste items straight to the local tip or for recycling, if the sites are open. But, certainly, make sure discarded cardboard and plastic is kept well concealed.
6. Keep Keys Hidden Away
You may have a designated safe place where you store keys. If you intend for neighbours or family members to have access to your property when you are away, however, it’s best to leave the keys in their possession - rather than leaving them in a “safe place” like under a doormat or flowerpot. These are obvious places where a thief might look, which could leave your property wide open to a burglary. The best advice is to have extra sets of keys cut and not to leave a potential open invitation lying on the premises.
Another option is to have a secure key box fitted. Justice Fire and Security can arrange for one of these to be fixed during a security system installation or whilst maintenance is being carried out.
7. Pet Safety
The safety of pets is something to take seriously, especially around the festive season. You might not necessarily own a rare type of dog, cat or exotic fish collection. But pet theft is a worrying phenomenon and any breed that is perceived to be ‘flavour of the month’ could be vulnerable. Like cars, they are often stolen to order, which can be heartbreaking for anyone who has fallen victim. You don’t want any of your pets becoming someone else’s gift. sent. So, keep a close eye on them. Having them tagged or chipped is certainly worth considering.
Your New Year’s Resolution… Have an Intruder Alarm System Installed!
Christmas is a hectic time, with its own set of priorities, so it’s probably a little last minute to consider having a burglar alarm system fitted in the run-up. That said, we are carrying out security equipment installations right up to the big day. But, as part of a longer-term home security plan this is certainly something worth considering in the New Year.
It is statistically the case that properties protected with fully functioning burglar alarms, CCTV systems, external lighting etc., are far less likely to be broken into than those that aren’t. Whilst crime figures do vary from place to place, generally speaking, regardless of the size or location, your home will always be best defended if it is fitted with the appropriate security systems to match your requirements and budget.
Wishing you a Very Happy Christmas….
We trust these safety tips will be of use to you this Christmas. At the very least, it’s always helpful to be reminded of the simplest and often easiest-to-overlook security tips. For any further advice or if you would like to discuss ways to bolster your home security, please do not hesitate to contact us. For all enquiries, contact our main switchboard on 0845 468 9077.
Long established and industry accredited, Justice Fire & Security design, install, and maintain gold standard security and fire safety systems for homeowners throughout Birmingham, the wider West Midlands and Warwickshire, along with Worcestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire.
