The Christmas period is a time of joy and celebration, with homes often filled with gifts, festive decorations, and valuable new items. Unfortunately, while we enjoy the season, burglars see this as an opportunity. Expensive presents under the tree and high-tech gadgets on display can be too tempting for opportunistic thieves.
During the excitement of the holidays, it’s easy to overlook home security. Simple mistakes, such as leaving valuables like jewellery, car keys, or electronics in plain sight or positioning your Christmas tree and gifts in full view of windows, can attract unwanted attention. Even decorative displays visible from the outside can serve as a signal to intruders.
This festive season, focus on enjoying time with loved ones without the worry of potential threats. Close curtains at night, keep valuables out of sight, and consider investing in preventative measures like a security system or timer-operated lights. These small steps can help ensure your home remains secure and your holidays remain joyful.
The Metropolitan Police advise, “Burglars target homes that they think will contain valuables,” and caution that “Anything of value that they might spot through a window will only spur them on.”
To help protect your home this Christmas, here are five practical tips:
1. Install CCTV Cameras
CCTV systems are an effective deterrent and can also provide crucial evidence in the event of a break-in. Cameras should be installed high enough to avoid tampering, with angles optimised to capture clear footage of individuals. Essential features include night vision, motion detection, and high resolution to monitor activity effectively.
The Yorkshire Police emphasise, “Remember to accurately time-stamp your CCTV with the correct date and time, just in case it is needed for evidential purposes.”
You can ensure you are following the latest guidance on the use of domestic CCTV on the GOV.UK website.
Best Usage Tips:
- Position cameras near entry points, such as doors and large windows.
- Regularly check that all cameras are functioning and properly time-stamped.
- Comply with privacy regulations to ensure the system only covers your property.
2. Use Smart Lighting
Burglars are more likely to target homes that appear unoccupied, especially over the holiday period when families may be away. Smart lighting can create the illusion of activity by automating lights to switch on and off at varying times.
Thames Valley Police note, “Lighting is a good deterrent and is recommended at doors as it makes it safer for you when coming and going after dark.”
Best Usage Tips:
- Install motion-sensor lights outdoors to brighten dark areas.
- Schedule indoor lights to mimic normal activity in rooms such as living rooms or kitchens.
- Vary the patterns and timing to avoid creating a predictable routine.
3. Employ Smart Audio Systems
Smart speakers or audio systems can simulate activity within a home, serving as a deterrent to opportunistic burglars. By playing music, radio shows, or even recorded conversations or dog sounds, these systems can give the impression of occupancy.
Lincolnshire Police advise that “Burglars are aware of the times when someone is expected to be away from their house such as during the school run or holidays.” Using smart audio systems can mimic activity and discourage potential break-ins.
Best Usage Tips:
- Schedule playback of conversations or TV sounds to replicate everyday life.
- Combine smart audio systems with smart lighting for a convincing effect.
- Avoid repetitive patterns to maintain realism.
4. Install Video Doorbells
Video doorbells offer both surveillance and two-way communication, making them a versatile home security tool. They allow homeowners to see and speak to visitors in real-time via a smartphone app, regardless of their location.
Video doorbells are particularly useful in deterring distraction burglars, as POLICE.UK recommend: “Use your door viewer to see who’s there” and “Don’t be afraid to ask questions about anyone at your door – genuine callers won’t mind.”
Best Usage Tips:
- Mount the doorbell at an appropriate height for clear video capture.
- Adjust motion detection settings to avoid unnecessary alerts.
- Connect the device to other smart home systems, such as lights or alarms, for enhanced protection.
5. Automate Smart Blinds
Smart blinds can help secure your home by obscuring views of your interior and creating the impression of occupancy. These systems can be programmed to open and close dynamically, following sunrise and sunset timings or set schedules.
Harry Doling, Business Development Director of Umbra Shading, says, “Blinds can be set to activate at a set time of day, or even set dynamically for sunset and sunrise which will be different each day. Blinds also conserve energy from heat loss via windows when you’re not home, an additional benefit for this time of year.”
Best Usage Tips:
- Pair blinds with smart lighting for a coordinated effect.
- Use blackout blinds to fully obscure views from outside.
- Automate schedules to vary daily activity and enhance the impression of occupancy.