As Christmas approaches, homes will be filled with gadgets and expensive gifts. But just as you are looking forward to giving and receiving those presents, burglars are looking to stealing them from you. Triangle bring you the latest tips in home security.
Triple check your locks
Make sure all windows and doors are firmly shut and locked when leaving home. Leaving an entry path slightly open is a temptation for a burglar.
Keep trees and gifts away from windows
Don’t openly display your Christmas tree and gifts in the front window so it’s easily visible from the street. It can be tempting for criminals to smash the window and grab wrapped packages.
Hide presents
Even if you don't have children to hide presents from, make sure criminals can't see them through your windows and doors by hiding them in cupboards and under beds.
Look like you are still at home
If you're going away for Christmas, make the house look lived in. Turning on lights when no one's at home in winter can deter burglars. You can buy timers that will turn lights on, ask a neighbour to park their car in your driveway to make it look like someone's home.
Look out for suspicious behaviour
Keep an eye on any suspicious behaviour in the neighbourhood. Having a good alarm system and CCTV can really help. Our mobile patrol service that we offer would be constantly patrolling outside your home throughout the day which makes a massive difference if burglars see our cars they know that your home is being watched so are less likely to take the risk of trying to break in. This enhances your home security and peace of mind. You and your family being vigilant is good as well.
Don't leave notes
Don't leave notes for couriers saying no one's in. Make sure you've sent instructions about where to leave parcels if you're out.
Hide gift packaging
Make sure all packaging is ripped up and buried in bins, so criminals can't easily see what’s been added to an already festive-filled house.
Turn your outside lights on and off
Make sure your outside lights aren't on all day, and newspapers or advertising flyers aren't piled up through your letterbox. Again, you might want to ask a neighbour to collect your mail and free papers if you go away.
Give a trusted neighbour a spare key
Burglars know to look for the hidden door key near the front entrance. Don’t hide spare keys under rocks, in flowerpots, or above door ledges. Instead give the spare key to a trusted neighbour.
Don't run electricity cords through window
Burglars prefer to enter through unlocked doors or windows, so an electricity extension cord running through an open window to exterior Christmas lights can be an open invitation. Hire an electrician to install an inexpensive exterior outlet for festive outdoor lights.
Check your home phone's answering machine message
Make sure your family name isn't visible outside your house, like on a mailbox. Criminals can get your number from directory enquiries and call your home to confirm there's no one in. And don’t leave descriptive telephone answering machine messages like “We’re away skiing for Christmas, please leave a message.” Burglars love to hear they have plenty of time to break into your home.