Here’s five tips that could help you minimise of the chance of failing victim to burglars at Christmas.
With the long nights, the temptation of new gifts lying around and families away from home visiting relatives, the festive period can be a time when people feel vulnerable to burglary. Statistics show that Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are days that thieves stay at home but in the run-up to Christmas and News Year Eve – burglars are more likely to strike.
So, what can you do to stop burglars ruining your Christmas?
You can avoid tempting would-be burglars by keeping your presents out of sight. If you have a big Christmas tree with loads of gifts under it in full view of the window then it could be spotted by the wrong kind of people. Likewise, after Christmas tidy away and hide expensive presents, so they can’t be seen by prying eyes. Dispose of any packaging discretely – branded boxes sitting by your bin offer clues to the goodies inside your home.
Those who love the grand gesture of a giant Christmas light display outside their house might be inviting a burglar into their home if they leave their window open so they can run an electricity cord through it. If you must go big with the exterior lights, hire an electrician to install on inexpensive outside socket.
A light with a motion sensor directed at your front path or back garden could be enough to warn off prowlers. Likewise, a timer switch that turns on lights when you are away will give the impression you are at home when you are away.
Further to the above point, try and give the impression there is someone at home even if you have gone off to visit relatives. Keep lights switched on – maybe ask a friendly neighbour to nip in each evening and morning to switch the lights on and off while you are away. Keep a car parked in your drive if you can. Don’t leave notes on your door telling a courier you are out – this is advertising to a burglar.
If you are considering installing an alarm system don’t skimp. Fit one that is reliable and will do what you want it to – stop intruders. There is a wide range of alarm solutions, from a simple hard-wired alarm to the ultimate in smart, fully-monitored alarm systems that integrate with access control and CCTV.
If you would like to discuss the best way to secure your home, please contact us on email enquiries@silverwolfsecurity.co.uk or telephone 01622 809225.