Leaving your home empty this holiday season? You’re not alone. But in order to avoid a classic Christmas-movie-esque break in (which won’t be as laughable as the movie Home Alone), you should probably take some of these steps to securing your belongings before you leave for the holidays.
Lock your home. Seems obvious right? Most burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window. A spring-latch lock is easy prey for burglars so make sure you have a deadbolt instead, which defies any such attack.
Install (or update) your home security system. If you don’t have one, you might want to get one. You can check out Reviews.com for some advice on systems. If you already have one installed, make sure it’s working successfully, updated, and connected before you leave. Conceal all wiring that may be showing, as it’s one of the first things burglars look for in order to disconnect it.
Make your house look occupied. You want to trick your burglars into thinking your home isn’t a victim for break-ins. Turn on some lights, or even a radio. Some smart homes now have tools to control lights and televisions even while you’re not home. You should also ask your neighbors to take in your mail and newspapers (or stop them altogether) so they don’t pile up and give you away.
Don’t hide your key in plain sight. Many people like to keep a spare key in a mailbox, under the doormat, or in a potted plant. Think twice before you hide your spare key. One tip is to wrap the key in foil or put it in a small container and then bury it where only you can easily find it.
I hope these tips help you stay safe this holiday season! Enjoy the time off with family and friends and please – stay safe!
