Tips for Preventing Theft During the Holidays

Going to be away from home during the holidays? Whether you’re going to a party, shopping or vacation, leaving your home for any length of time gives thieves an opportunity to break in. Take steps to keep your home and everything in it safe before you head out. Here are our tips for preventing theft.

1. Lock it up.

Locking your doors and windows seems like a given, but in the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s easy to accidently leave windows and doors unlocked. Make it a habit to check front and back doors, and lock up all windows.

2. Let there be light.

If you know you’re going to be gone in the evening, leave a light on. You want to make it look as if someone is there. Consider putting lights on a timer to automatically come on at night, even staggering which lights come on when to create the illusion of activity. If you have Christmas lights outside, put them on a timer, too.

3. Turn the television on.

As with lights, the light and sound of a running television signals that someone is home. If you’re leaving for an evening or a night, leave a  TV on with the volume up.

4. Out of sight, out of mind.

Put valuables out of sight. Pull the drapes so no one can peak in and see all those presents under the tree. This goes for in your car, as well as your home. In a car, never leave anything visible to tempt thieves.

5. Make arrangements for package deliveries.

If you shop online, arrange to have a neighbor keep an eye out and pick up anything left out front. Some online companies, like Amazon, let you arrange to have packages delivered to a designated spot. Check with UPS or the postal service and see if you can put a hold on package deliveries until you are home again.

6. Be alarmed.

Consider investing in a good alarm system, including a camera or two. This will make your home more secure any time of the year, and you may be able to get a discount on home insurance, too.

Be smart about the holidays when it comes to your home. Thefts tend to increase this time of year. So, be vigilant so you can relax and enjoy your time with family and friends, worry-free.

When you take measures to make your home safer, you may be able to get discounts on home insurance. To get and compare quotes, see our information about home insurance.