Top Tips for Christmas Security
As it gets closer to Christmas we start to think about where we are going to spend it; if it’s your turn or your in-laws to cook the Christmas turkey and whether your uncle is going to drink too much and do that silly dance again. But unfortunately it is also a time that can be spoiled by burglary when your home is left empty for a few days or presents are stolen from under trees. Thousands of families each Christmas have their festive cheer ruined by break-ins.
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There are a few tips on how to avoid spending your Christmas holiday down the police station.
Empty Boxes:
So you’ve got the new Kinect or a Sony Bravia TV as a present but what do we normally do with the boxes they came in? Most people simply put them out with the rubbish to be collected after Christmas. Unfortunately this can be a good sign to would be burglars that you’ve got valuable goods in your home. The best opinions are to flatten the boxes and store somewhere like your loft or take them down the local tip. Just like making sure you don’t keep valuables in your car, make sure you don’t let everyone in your neighbourhood know what you have at home.
Home Insurance:
It is so easy to think that bad things will not happen to you. Make sure you have peace of mind and take out some home insurance. Not only will be covered if the unthinkable happens and someone breaks into your home whilst you’re away with relatives but also if you have problems with water leaks or worse you know that you can replace your goods. If you’ve got a lot of valuable Christmas presents in your home give your insurance company a ring to make sure they are covered too, nine out of ten insurers* automatically increase your cover during the Christmas period but it is worth checking.
Also if you do receive a new laptop or watch you might want to update your current insurance policy to make sure these new presents are covered.
Make Your Home Less Inviting:
…To unwanted visitors. If you’re out and about this Christmas you might want to invest in a light timer, check your window and door locks and think about home security. Thieves are less likely to try and break into a home that appears occupied.
As Superintendent Mark Bell of the Greater Manchester Police explains:
“Recent research involving interviews with convicted burglars confirms that they love to work under cover of darkness to target empty properties. Using timer switches to operate lights can keep burglars guessing on whether your home is occupied and encourage them to give it a wide berth.”
“Doing this, setting your burglar alarm and shutting and locking all doors and windows could help ensure that you have a safe and peaceful Christmas.”
* Information from uSwitch
