Whether you are home for the holidays or traveling to visit friends and family, it’s important that you take the necessary precautions to prevent burglaries and remain holly and jolly all season long! Home break-ins spike during the holidays due to empty homes and an influx of shopping and gifts. Find out how you can keep your home safe and secure this holiday season.
1. Leave the Lights On
One of the most evident signs that a home is vacant is when the lights are switched off. Keeping a kitchen or living room light on helps give off the illusion that you are home and may trick a burglar out of choosing your house. Even outdoor lights aren’t as effective as an indoor main room.
Many people aren’t fond of leaving lights on for days on end. Electricity isn’t cheap, but neither is replacing all your valuables. Consider purchasing a cheap light timer to stay cost and safety efficient. Motion sensor lights for the exterior of the home are an excellent investment, too.
2. Lock All Doors and Windows
Although this might seem obvious, the act of locking doors and windows gets routinely overlooked, especially during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. In fact, approximately 34% of burglars twist the doorknob and let themselves in, and 23% enter through an unlocked first-floor window.
Everyone becomes forgetful or distracted from time to time, so if you find yourself forgetting, consider implementing daily reminders to lock up. Keep a note by your bed, put a timer on your phone, or hold everyone in your household responsible by coming up with a plan together. Before leaving your home or when going to bed for the night, do a walk-through and lock all entryways into your home.
Don’t forget to lock your vehicle doors, too. And never leave valuables in plain sight, as that will encourage criminals to investigate further. A huge portion of petty car thieves break into cars only if they’re unlocked, and unfortunately, oftentimes they are. Worse yet, some people leave their keys in the car, and you can guess how that story ends. For added protection, consider getting your vehicle’s windows tinted via our sister company, Auto Glass and Tint Shop. If your car is locked and they can’t see anything through the windows, burglars will likely move on to an easier target.
3. Keep Shopping Bags and Gifts Out of Sight
There’s no doubt that a beautiful Christmas tree arrangement displayed through a window can transform the look of a home, but it could also wreak havoc on your festivities if the wrong person lays eyes on it. Putting all your gifts around the tree allows the burglar a chance to window shop.
Even early observations during the day allow them the opportunity to plan their attack. If you love having your tree in the window, keep your presents in a different, hidden location until Christmas morning. There’s no need to give criminals any temptation!
4. Install an Alarm System
Bells will be ringing…and so might your alarm system. Alarm systems guarantee constant protection, whether you are at home or away. It is a strong deterrent for a break-in whether the burglar is aware there is a system or not.
Although it is smart to have an alarm system company sign somewhere visible in or around your home, once the intruder hears the alarming sound, they will most likely run off. Modern alarm security systems even provide the opportunity to monitor your home using cameras and control the system from anywhere at any time.
5. Safety and Security Window Film
Installing a safety and security window film to your windows and glass doors will not only protect you from forced entry year-round but several other dangers as well, including damage from natural disasters.
The unique tear-resistant properties of the micro-layered film provide security and impact resistance to control or even eliminate the dangers of a break-in. Your glass will be prepared to hold in place no matter what intense force is thrown its way.
Let Us Protect You During This Season of Joy!
Protect your home from burglars and crime this holiday season. At KC Window Film, keeping your people and your property safe is a high priority. Deter the Wet Bandits from entering your space with durable safety and security window film. With multiple films to choose from, treat yourself to the gift of safety this year.
Request a free quote today or contact us at (913)-671-1955.