Safety Tips For Christmas

The Christmas season is prone to high risk of theft. it’s important to remember these basic Christmas safety tips and ways for staying safe around the holidays while you are doing your holiday shopping in stores or online. Burglars are looking for ways to break in while you are away and distracted from the home. Similarly, online thieves are out in full force ready to capitalize on the millions of online shoppers who are submitting their private credit card information. Whether you do your shopping online or in the stores, it’s important to remember these basic Christmas safety tips to protect yourself against theft this holiday season.

Lock everything  

Most times burglar gets into a house just because an entrance was left open or unlocked, especially with house guests visiting who may not have keys. Try to keep doors and windows locked at all times, even while at home.

Secure valuables

Never leave anything of value out in plain sight. If you have not already done so, now may be a good time to consider placing any jewelry, extra cash or other valuables in a safe deposit box or even a secure hidden safe within the house. Nothing should ever be visible from any window and the master bedroom is the first room any intruder will check for valuables.Large piles of gift wrapped goodies under the tree that are visible through a door or window are tempting to thieves.

Do Not Invite Burglars

Don't leave empty boxes on display outside. Discarded packaging advertises all the new goods you have indoors.

Control your social status

Though you might be tempted to broadcast to the world about how excited you are for your holiday travels, resist the urge to broadcast to the whole world that you are not going to be home. Many people cannot seem to wait to let everyone on Facebook or Twitter know that they are about to leave and this is a dangerous thing to share.

Leave the light on

Not the most Eco-friendly advice, but the more it looks like someone is home, the less likely that someone will try to intrude on your home. Keep the lights on, the Christmas lights lit, and the television on. Anything to signify to potential robbers that someone is home. The home automation and smartphone interactive management tools available from many security systems today allows for you to turn off and on the lights throughout the day and night to keep up appearances that someone is home.

Activate your alarm system

Again, while it may seem obvious, your mind is distracted and you could be in a rush to get out the door. Don’t forget to arm your security system – this simple step will go a long way to protect your home.

Use The Help Of Neighbours

If you're going on holiday over the festive period, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to keep an eye on your house (and again, don't tell Facebook!)

When in doubt, think like a robber. How would they get in? Does it look like someone is home? Where are your valuables? Use common sense and remember these easy home security tips and ensure your possessions will be safe from harm while you are out doing your Christmas shopping, traveling or partying.