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Holiday time is full of cheer, shopping, decorations, and celebrations with your loved ones. However, it is also the time for visiting the family across town, which may bring unnecessary attention from robbers and vandals. It is best to secure your surroundings with effective tools and surveillance measures to avoid any theft damage around your property. With appropriate precautions and safety measures, you can keep your prized possessions safe from the evil eyes while you enjoy your holidays.
Here are top tips from security professionals to keep your property safe in the holiday season.
Reinforce the hardware, locks, and doors
An advanced lock with high-security features may not be as effective if your doors are flimsy and breakable. The intruder may enter your home by kicking the door or windows from the hinges. Therefore, it is necessary to check and secure all the entry points and windows to reinforce them. Ensure any repair work or replacement is done before you leave your home for the rest of the holidays. You may add metal plates or install strike plates on the door to ensure it is shatterproof.
Lock your Windows
It is a no-brainer, but all the shopping and holiday preparation may toss safety out of the window. Burglars often look for open windows and broken locks around the house to secure an entry into the premises. Adding window bars and sensors will add security to the weak ends of the house. Moreover, you may plant prickly bushes right below the windows.
Christmas lighting and increased fire risk
It is advisable to install good quality Christmas lights to prevent any potential fires. If your lights are automatic, ensure that they do not heat up and there are enough protective measures for any short circuits. Invest in good smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to be aware of any such incidents inside and outside the house. Also, keep fire extinguishers both indoors and outdoors along with the alarm system to have a double check on everything.
Travel low-key and keep your plans offline
The online trend of updating every single move and vacation destination may become an invitation for burglaries. Even with enough security, your empty house may get vulnerable to a high tech thief. So, it is necessary to avoid posting your travel destination, flight information, and current whereabouts. You may post your holiday memories in some Instagram and Facebook throwbacks later without compromising your property’s safety.
Notify your neighbours
If you are heading out of the town for a few days, make sure you inform your neighbours about it. They will keep an eye on your property and report any suspicious events. You may make arrangements to clear the snow from piling in your driveway, which is a dead giveaway for an empty house.
Don't leave your home in the dark
If you are away from your home for a long time, consider investing in good outdoor lighting so that criminals and vandals don’t leverage on the dark hours. Since they don’t want to get caught, they often plan to commit thieveries in the night time. With ample lighting around the house, no one will risk getting caught. Also, invest in motion sensor lights and smart plugs so that your home stays monitored and lit up. You may also use a timer for smart outdoor lighting or use solar energy powered lights.
Hide packages and deliveries
The holiday season will bring in gifts from your relatives and friends, which may come under the radar of porch thieves. To prevent this, it is advisable to have a doorbell camera and a designated package locker system if you’re not home. You may ask some trusted neighbour to collect your parcels on your behalf. Besides, do not display your gifts and expensive belongings near your windows to keep them safe from prying eyes.
Don't neglect your garage security
Since your garage is at the corner of the house, it acts as an easy way in for thieves. Along with your expensive wheels, your garage may contain other essential belongings. Both the interior and exterior locks of the garage should be strong to discourage forced entry. Moreover, keep a security code for your garage, along with a home automation security system. In a lot of burglary incidents, intruders find the garage to be the most effortless entry. Never keep the doors open for easy access as it may risk the security of your family and house.
Set up a security system
Setting a professional security system may be the best way to avoid intruders around your property. There are several security options available such as cameras, motion sensors, and doorbells that connect to an app on your mobile. These apps allow text and video notifications if there is a visitor at your doorstep.
You may DIY the installation process of these gadgets to suffice for a basic security system. It is advisable to leave no blind spots while installing cameras in all the corners. Besides, you may get professionals to secure each crevice around your property. They will make essential evaluations to secure your home for a 24X7 surveillance provision.
Now that you are aware of how to level up the security system of your property, you may require professional assistance. The professionally qualified team of the Security Guard Group provides security services at affordable prices, so you don’t burn a hole in your pocket. They are equipped to create a plan to secure your property while you enjoy your holiday festivities. Contact them for more information.