Protect Your Home From Holiday Burglaries

Research suggests the highest percentage of residential burglaries occur in the summer months. But, there is a dramatic spike in holiday burglaries during December.

“85% of these burglaries are committed by non-professionals that are usually more desperate and dangerous,” says Officer D. Brown of the Columbus, Ohio police department.

Most of these break-ins occur during the daytime hours when no one is home. Homes without security are targeted. Residences with privacy fencing and large shrubs, which help conceal the criminals while they steal your stuff, are favorites with thieves.

“Homeowners can take simple steps to help prevent holiday burglaries,” Officer Brown said. “Install a security system, update the lock strike plate on doors, and install automatic interior lights. Dusk to dawn exterior lighting is great too.”

10 tips to help protect your home during the holidays

Install smart locks to your doors. Criminals often enter homes through a back door or side window during holiday burglaries. Smart door locks create a unique code for entry. So, you don’t need to hide or give away spare keys
Don’t Post on Social Media. Whether you’re going away for a few days or just out shopping, don’t post that on social media. It’s an open invitation for burglars.
Cover your windows. Close your curtains while away. Large uncovered windows allow criminals to see what is inside your home. Windows are also a common entry point. It’s a good idea to have window sensors installed in your home. When your system is armed, professionals get alerted about forced entry.
Point your home security cameras at your doorway. With a new view on your front door, you can catch any criminals in the act. Home security cameras also help track packages delivered to your home. Set up another camera to look at your valuables. Make sure everything is exactly how you left it.
Store Christmas gifts in a safe spot. Don’t keep presents in the garage or shed where criminals can easily break-in. It’s not a good idea to leave packages in plain sight under the Christmas tree with your windows or blinds left open. You’re just asking them to break in! Criminals often grab jewelry and electronics because they are easy to pawn. They also steal wrapped gifts that might have high resale value during holiday burglaries.
Ask neighbors to watch your house while you’re gone. Include a list of people or cars that regularly visit your home. Encourage them to report any suspicious persons or vehicles.
Install timers on indoor and outdoor lights. You can also install motion light sensors for the exterior of your home. A darkened home is a beacon for thieves to help themselves because no one is home.
Ship your packages somewhere safe. A lot of online shopping occurs during the holidays. Ship packages to your workplace whenever possible, or use in-store pickup options. If you must ship something to your house, set-up email or text alerts to confirm when packages arrive. If your front door is too visible from the street, ask your delivery company about delivering packages to your back door.
Don’t put boxes from Christmas gifts in your trash. Criminals will dig through your trash. They are searching for boxes of high-priced items, such as big-screen TVs and other expensive electronics. Break down or tear apart your boxes. You can also take large boxes to your local recycling center.
Avoid using yard decorations that give criminals a place to hide. Holiday decorations are fun and entertaining, but make sure they don’t create great hiding spots.