Sorting your home security for Christmas
You’re already starting to get excited. You’ve seen numerous countdowns on Facebook (how many weeks exactly until Christmas? How many Saturday are there until Christmas Day?). You’ve now started the shopping as you realise it really is going to, once again, creep up on you. You’re planning visits to grotto’s, pantomimes and more grown up, festive nights out. Yes, your Christmas plans are all in order. You’ve got this covered. But have you really? What about your Christmas home security?
It is a sad fact of life that burglaries see a marked increase over the festive period. Burglaries actually peak in December and early January, with many people who go away for Christmas only realising they have been burgled when they return in the new year. Our homes are filled with all manner of expensive gifts, often placed under Christmas trees and lit up for the whole world to see. In addition, as already mentioned, people spend a long time away from their homes, visiting family and taking Christmas holidays, hence leading to a win-win situation for the burglars. It really isn’t just The Grinch who stole Christmas.
So, what can you do?
- Fit a motion sensor in your home. Panasonic Motion Sensors can help you detect intruders in your home. Costing less than £40, the sensors detect movement in your home when there shouldn’t be any, and can then send an alert to your smart device, can set off a home alarm, or can activate other smart home devices. These are definitely the best technology for families worried about their homes.
- If you have an alarm, make sure you set it. So many people have alarms fitted and then don’t actually bother to use them. Set the alarm before you leave the house, and make sure your contact numbers are up to date.
- Be careful with vented windows. Leaving windows vented is quite common – letting the fresh air into rooms without actually opening windows fully. But burglars only need an inch to get into a home, so when you are out, shut windows properly.
- Don’t put the pressies on display. You might think the presents look beautiful under the tree, but you are openly displaying your wares to burglars. Why not get some fibre-optic gifts to place under the tree, and then put the real presents somewhere out of sight.
- Be careful with outdoor lights. If you need to light your outdoor lights from an indoor socket, this may mean you have to leave your window open. An outdoor plug socket may well be a sensible option if you intend to light up your house this Christmas.
Do you have any hints or tips for Christmas Security?
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11 Comments
Sarah (@tamingtwins)
Great tips and really useful for the festive season coming up. You can never be too careful.
Nikki
Great tips! Thankfully I have never *touch wood* been burgled. I cant understand people who do this to others!
Olivia Thristan
I love this idea and it is super important to be secure especially around Christmas when you have lots of valuables.
Angela Milnes
great tips. I always worry a little about people stealing from us at Christmas. It’s the worst time to do so! We are hoping to up our security when we move into a new home in a few weeks.
Ashleigh Day
Brilliant tips you’ve got in this post. To be honest ive not gone through any type of security before, maybe i need to start xx
francesca
Really great tips!! I always worry about christmas time as a child we were burgled at christmas time. Since living where I do now with my family we have been burgled here too, we have tightened up our security since!! I never put pressies under the tree until early hours of the morning on christmas!
mumx3x@gmail.com
I have been thinking about home security a lot lately. These are some really great tips. Motion sensors are a good idea! I never put the pressies on display until Xmas eve, when I know I don’t have to leave the house anymore 🙂 Thanks for sharing xx
Gemma
Such a scary prospect – I’d hate to be burgled. Our alarm makes me feel a bit safer but thanks for your extra tips.
Gemma x | http://www.flutterandsparkle.com
Stephen
When I see houses with loads and loads of outdoor lights, I always worry about the fire hazard and imagine their electric meter just literally spinning!
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