Home LivingSmart Home7 security tips for protecting your home over the Christmas holidaysHave yourself a safer Merry Christmas with these expert-approved home security tipsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Home LivingSmart Home7 security tips for protecting your home over the Christmas holidaysHave yourself a safer Merry Christmas with these expert-approved home security tipsWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Have yourself a safer Merry Christmas with these expert-approved home security tips
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Arlo Community)
(Image credit: Arlo Community)
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… and sadly, some burglars think so too. In true Harry and Marv style, many intruders will attempt to break into homes during the festive season, taking full advantage of the darker evenings and expensive gifts on display.
To prevent any break-ins and avoid being a target of theft, I spoke to experts fromEssential Livingwho gave me seven security tips for protecting your home over the Christmas holidays.
1. Invest in a smart security camera
Essential Living experts recommend investing in “outdoor censored lights that come on when someone approaches the property, as burglars don’t want to be seen and will avoid being directly under the spotlight.” With this in mind, look out for a security camera that has a built-in spotlight or siren.
2. Create a layered security system
In addition to having a security camera, create a layered security system with multiple cameras and other smart home gadgets that detect motion. Essential Living suggests to “utilise a layered approach, opting for an alarm and cameras that will not only alert you if a thief does attempt to break in but also prevent them from trying.”
To start your multi-layered security system, choose both an outdoor and indoor camera and one of thebest video doorbells. Video doorbells give you another field of view outside your house and can capture crucial footage, particularly as the front door tends to be the most ‘broken into’ area of the house. Another thing to consider is asmart sensorwhich you can install next to doors and windows around your house to alert you to any strange movements.
(Image credit: Canva)
(Image credit: Canva)
3. Appear to be at home with lighting
Unsurprisingly, burglars don’t want to get caught breaking into your home and stealing your belongings, so they’re less likely to target a house if it looks like you’re home. Essential Living points out that “rooms without lights on, an empty drive, piling up mail and packages on the doorstep are all telltale signs that no one is in, so before setting off, ensure you have left lights on or used automatic timers to keep windows lit in the evenings.”
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Thebest smart lightsare the best way to do this as you can set schedules for your lights to come on and you can quickly switch them on or off via an app while you’re away from home. Essential Living also suggests asking trusted neighbours to take in any parcels and even park in your driveway when you’re away to put off potential intruders.
4. Lock all doors and windows
This next tip might sound obvious but it only takes one accident to result in someone taking their chance and breaking into your house. Always remember to lock all your doors and windows when you’re out for the day or going away over the holiday period. Essential Living says to “do a quick sweep to ensure everything is locked up and keys are removed from windows and doors, as burglars may be able to reach through cat flaps and letterboxes to reach them.” For tighter security, you can also invest in thebest smart lock.
5. Don’t leave gifts on display
(Image credit: Roman Odintsov / Pexels)
(Image credit: Roman Odintsov / Pexels)
Leaving your Christmas presents under the tree is fun and festive… but it can tempt burglars into breaking in and stealing your gifts. “If your Christmas tree is visible from a window, particularly a front window, this can look like a shopping display for burglars scoping out homes to break into. Instead, keep all presents in a secure, hidden location within your house, like the attic or a cupboard in an upstairs bedroom,” says Essential Living.
6. Keep your garden clear and tidy
7. Avoid posting on social media
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