The festive season is a time for celebration, connection, and usually travel. Whether you’re heading out for the day to visit family or embarking on an extended holiday, it’s crucial to ensure your home is secure. Unfortunately, the Christmas period is also a peak time for break-ins, as opportunistic burglars take advantage of empty homes.
Here are some practical tips to protect your home and keep your holidays worry-free:
1. Ensure Your Security Systems Are Fully Functional
Before you pack your bags or head out for Christmas Day, take the time to check that your security systems are in top working order:
- Test Your Alarm System: Arm the system and walk around your house to ensure all sensors are functioning. If any sensors fail to trigger, troubleshoot or call a professional to repair them.
- Check Your Cameras: Verify that your CCTV system is recording properly. Review recent footage to confirm video quality and ensure the hard drive is functioning correctly.
- Clean Camera Lenses: Dust and grime can obscure footage, so wipe down all camera lenses for a clear view.
- Activate Deterrent Features: If you have active deterrent cameras, arm them and test the lights and audible warnings.
2. Make Your Home Look Occupied
A house that appears vacant can attract unwanted attention. Create the illusion that someone is home:
- Set Timers for Lights and Electronics: Use smart plugs or timers to turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off throughout the day. This can also be done from the Hik-Connect app using the HikVision AX PRO system.
- Arrange for Mail Collection: Ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail. Piled-up letters are a clear signal that no one is home.
- Maintain Your Lawn and Gardens: Overgrown lawns can suggest an extended absence. Arrange for a gardener or neighbour to take care of them.
3. Be Cautious on Social Media
Sharing your travel plans or holiday photos in real-time can inadvertently alert potential intruders that your home is empty. Keep your social media accounts private or save the updates for when you’re back home.
4. Strengthen Entry Points
Secure all doors and windows before you leave:
- Lock Everything: Double-check all locks on doors and windows, including garage doors and side gates.
- Upgrade to Smart Locks: If you haven’t already, consider installing smart locks that can be controlled remotely.
- Reinforce Sliding Doors: Use a rod or dowel in the track to prevent them from being forced open.
5. Enlist Help from Trusted Neighbours
A reliable neighbour can be an invaluable resource while you’re away:
- Ask Them to Keep an Eye Out: Provide them with your contact details in case of any suspicious activity.
- Share Access to Your Security System: If you’re comfortable, grant them limited access to your cameras or alarms so they can monitor your property.
6. Secure Your Valuables
Keep expensive items out of sight and consider additional safeguards:
- Use a Safe: Store jewellery, important documents, and other valuables in a secure safe.
- Close Curtains Strategically: While you don’t want to make your home look sealed up, closing curtains in key areas can prevent prying eyes.
7. Invest in a Monitoring Service
Consider enrolling in a professional System Health Monitoring Maintenance Plan to ensure your security system operates flawlessly year-round. Regular reports can alert you to potential issues before they become critical. Additionally, 24/7 Professional Monitoring is an excellent option while you’re away. Our monitoring services can monitor alarms and CCTV, providing real-time oversight and rapid response to any security alerts.
8. Keep Outdoor Areas Well-Lit
Good lighting can deter burglars by making it harder for them to approach undetected:
- Install Motion-Activated Lights: Place these around entry points and dark corners.
- Link Your Lights to Your Alarm: Connect your lights to your alarm system so they turn on when the alarm is triggered.
9. Secure Outdoor Items
Don’t overlook items outside your home that could be tempting for thieves:
- Lock Up Sheds and Garages: Ensure all tools and equipment are secured.
- Secure Outdoor Decorations: Anchor large decorations to prevent them from being stolen or used to gain entry.
10. Final Walkthrough Before You Leave
Before you step out the door:
- Double-Check All Systems: Ensure your alarm is armed, cameras are active, and all deterrent features are enabled.
- Secure Spare Keys: Don’t leave spare keys under mats or in obvious places. Give them to a trusted friend or neighbour instead.
- Turn Off Non-Essential Electronics: Unplug unnecessary devices to reduce the risk of electrical fires.
Final Thoughts
By taking these steps, you can enjoy your Christmas festivities with the confidence that your home is safe and secure. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring your peace of mind during the holiday season.
From all of us at Covenant Security Solutions, we wish you a safe and joyful Christmas!
