Keeping Your Home Safe This Christmas

*This is a guest post 

Christmas is a magical time of the year. It’s when we celebrate with our families, and treat loved ones, and ourselves to some of the things we’ve had our eye on. Christmas is something that we look forward to every year. But, if you aren’t careful, Santa won’t be the only person creeping into your home this year. Burglars know that our homes are filled with new gadgets and expensive goods, and are looking to exploit easy opportunities. Fortunately, many of these ways that you can keep your home, and your possessions safe, are relatively simple. Here’s a look at some of them.

Hide Presents

If you’ve got children, you are probably pretty good at hiding presents already. But, no matter who lives in your house, it’s a good idea to keep gifts out of sight, away from windows and doors. Try to find a safe space, or at least avoid leaving large piles of presents around the house.

Check on Doors and Windows

Before leaving your house or going to bed at night, triple-check that doors and windows are locked. If your doors or windows are old, consider replacing them and installing a security door for extra protection.

Use Your Alarm

Most modern homes have an alarm installed when they are built. Even many older homes have an alarm installed at some point. But, few of us use them regularly. You might set the alarm before going on holiday, but do you set it when you pop to the shops? If you don’t set the alarm every time your home is empty, start, and if you haven’t got one, install one now.

Be Discrete Online

Before and after Christmas day, it can be tempting to share all of your purchases on social media. You might want to show off what you’ve got, or even alert your friends to some great bargains or small businesses that they can support. But, this puts you at risk. Remember, not only your close friends and family can see what you are sharing online.

It’s out there in the world for less friendly people to see too. Limit what you share, even after Christmas.

Stay Alert

Tight-knit neighbourhoods are often safer over the holidays because neighbours watch out for each other, and alert each other to suspicious behaviour. Being alert to any unusual activity, or anyone that you don’t know hanging around can keep you safe, and alerting your neighbours will help them to do the same. Strong community connections are often the best way to keep your home safe.

Hide Packaging

If the Amazon Prime boxes are starting to stack up, you aren’t alone. But, piling them outside next to your bin lets people know that there might be expensive goods in your home. Break boxes down and make sure they fit into the bin or keep them inside your house until they do.

Don’t Run Wires Through Windows

We all love seeing homes decorated with lights over the holidays. But, if you run the wire through a window, you are offering thieves an easy way in. If you do want to decorate the outside of your house, hire an electrician to fit an outdoor outlet for plugs.