The festive period is a time to meet with friends and family, eat delicious food, and reflect on all you've done this year. The air is cold and crisp, hopefully not too damp, and most people are looking forward to a break from work.
Unfortunately, as Christmas approaches and the nights grow longer, crime rates tend to rise. While the festive season is a time of joy and celebration, it also brings an increased risk of burglaries. Don't let a festive burglary ruin your Christmas. While you decorate for the season, consider these home security tips to deter burglars.
Thieves often take advantage of the longer evenings and the abundance of high-value gifts found in many homes. To ensure your home remains a safe haven during this festive period, follow this comprehensive home security checklist. Additionally, we’ll highlight the Arlo products that can help bolster your home security.
Understanding Crime at Christmas
Data from 2022 shows a definitive rise in the robbery of personal and business property over the festive period. Churchill found a 5.6% increase in incidents over the next highest quarter, based on the UK Police Data repository.
The combination of darker evenings and homes filled with valuable gifts makes this a prime time for opportunistic thieves. Ensure you secure your home with proactive measures to reduce the likelihood of it being targeted.
Home Security Checklist
1. Secure All Entry Points
Ensure all doors and windows are locked, even when you’re at home. It may seem obvious, but there are still some areas of the UK where people don't always lock their front door. Use high-quality window and door locks and consider adding additional security measures like deadbolts and window bars. You can secure sliding doors with a rod or a dowel in the track to prevent someone from forcing them open.
Make sure any spare key holders do not store your address with the key. A locked door is only secure if no one untoward has a key.
2. Install a Home Security System
A robust home security system is your first line of defence against intruders. Arlo offers a range of security cameras and smart doorbells that provide real-time monitoring and alerts.
How can you stop burglars from targeting your home in the first place? Security system devices can help you keep an eye on your home, even when you’re away. They also serve as a deterrent to would-be burglars. Including an alarm system and a sticker advertising this can be helpful in putting them off your property too.
3. Enhance Outdoor Lighting
Thieves prefer to work under the cover of darkness. Installing motion-activated security lights around your property can deter them. Make sure to illuminate any angles through which they could enter your home. You can control smart lighting systems remotely, allowing you to manage your home's lighting from anywhere.
4. Keep Your Tree and Gifts Out of Sight
We know it's tempting to display your beautifully decorated Christmas tree and the presents underneath for the world to see. Unfortunately, this can be an open invitation to burglars, advertising what they could steal. Brand-new in-box items are ideal for resale compared to the usual items they can take from home. To keep gifts safe, place your tree away from windows, avoid putting gifts under the tree, or close the curtains to hide them from view.
5. Use Timers for Lights and Electronics
Giving the illusion that someone is home can be a powerful deterrent. Use timers to turn on lights, radios, and TVs at different times throughout the day and evening. This can make your home appear occupied even when you’re away.
For example, turn on a lamp and a TV in the lounge at a time that you are likely to be in there. Consider how much electricity this will use when setting timers, especially if you're planning for an extended trip away.
6. Secure Your Garage and Sheds
Garages and sheds often contain valuable tools and equipment that can be attractive to thieves. Thieves may view an unlocked shed as an opportunity to watch the house and steal tools. They could use these tools to break into your home. Make sure you lock garage doors and secure sheds and, if possible, cover the area with your home security system.
7. Be Cautious with Social Media
Avoid sharing your holiday plans or photos of your home’s interior on social media. Thieves often monitor these platforms to identify potential targets. Perhaps there's an old picture of your front door on Facebook from when you moved in. A post with your beautiful tree surrounded with presents, followed by a post that you'll be away for a week, isn't a good idea.
Share your experiences only after the event to maintain your security. You could also take this opportunity to review your social media settings. Remove 'friends' you don't know well or limit posts to only be visible to a select group of people. Adjust privacy settings so strangers can't see your information on social media.
8. Get to Know Your Neighbours
Building a good relationship with your neighbours is a good idea as it can enhance your home security. They can keep an eye on your property when you’re away and report any suspicious activity. During the holidays, people are more friendly. If you're going away for a while, consider letting a trusted neighbour know.
Arlo Products for Enhanced Security
Arlo Video Doorbell
The Arlo Video Doorbell offers a 180-degree viewing angle, two-way audio, and motion detection. This allows you to see and speak to visitors from anywhere, providing an added layer of security. Its high-definition video captures clear images, making it easier to identify potential intruders.
Arlo Pro 5 Outdoor Security Camera
The Arlo Pro 5 provides 2K video with HDR, colour night vision, and a built-in spotlight. Its advanced motion detection alerts you to any movement around your home. This outdoor security camera has an integrated spotlight that can scare off intruders before they get too close.
Arlo Ultra 2XL Outdoor Security Camera
For comprehensive home security, the Arlo Ultra 2XL offers 4K video with HDR. It also has a wide 180-degree field of view and enhanced colour night vision. The two-way audio, integrated spotlight and built-in smart siren provide a robust deterrent against burglars.
How to Secure Your Home
Follow our home security checklist to reduce the risk of your home being targeted this Christmas. The best outcome from a security system is to have deterred the crime in the first place. Should the worst still occur, you will have the footage you need for a speedy resolution with authorities and insurance.
While you're thinking about protecting your home for the festive break, here's a reminder to check your smoke alarms too.
Crime at Christmas is a sad but common issue. By taking precautions and using Arlo's security solutions, you can protect your home and have a peaceful holiday. Enjoy the holidays without worrying about the safety of your home. Arlo's security solutions can help protect your home during the holidays.