Every year when December comes it is a surprise to the Trust A Trader team! As we meet the rapid countdown to Christmas, we want to wish you a fantastic Christmas and give you your annual reminder and top tips for protecting your home, possessions and most importantly, your loved ones this Christmas.
At Christmastime the chances are that you have more high value objects than normal to tempt burglars, literally wrapped up and ready to attract planned and opportunist burglars alike. Here’s how you can deter them:
Light up your home
Christmas is a time when people often go out in the evening or away for a couple of days here and there. When you go away, be sure to leave indicators that the home is occupied, for example living room lights on. Nothing tells a burglar that you are away lie drawing the curtains and switching everything off. If you are going for a few days, ask your neighbours to collect your post, particularly if you have parcels due.
Outdoor lights make it harder for intruders to sneak up on you, too, and act as a natural deterrent so invest in motion sensitive lights to add extra peace of mind.
Hide valuables
Your gifts may look lovely under the tree but if they are in easy view of the street, they may be too much for some to resist. Make sure that valuables are out of easy sight from accessible windows; that goes for electronics as well as gifts.
Make your exterior burglar-proof
Burglars tend to look for the easiest way of doing things, so you can help yourself by making their job as hard as possible. Don’t leave tools or ladders in your garden, and take a little time to think about how you might access your home if you were locked out; do you leave any windows open? Is there a side door that can be easily forced? If you can see a way in, a burglar almost certainly will be able to, too.
Don’t give burglars somewhere to hide
Lighting is just one step to protecting your home. If you are lucky enough to have a home that is surrounded by high fences or gates, then it is hard for observant (or nosy) neighbours to pick up on abnormal activity when you are away. If 100% privacy isn’t high priority for you, consider lopping high hedges.
Cameras on
There was a time when security cameras were only used for the very rich or the overcautious, but the surge of doorbell cameras mean that anyone can see who is accessing their home at a low cost.
If you are concerned about your home security over Christmas or in general, get in touch with a home security specialist; they will be able to identify areas of weakness and advise you on what you can do for complete peace of mind. Find out more on Facebook or X, but in the meantime, Merry Christmas!