Tips to beat the Christmas burglar

Leading up to Christmas is a very busy time for most households, very few people think of home security at this time of year when in fact the opportunist burglar is equally as busy.

Read the tips below and make it harder for that Christmas burglar.

Deterrence Is The Most Effective Form Of Crime Prevention

Invest in a motion sensor light to highlight your home’s exterior, this will make your home less inviting to the burglar. Highlighting the fact that your possessions are security marked and traceable by using window stickers is a good way to provide a further warning that your goods are traceable and not worth the risk of stealing.

Festive Lighting

A very common mistake of many festive decorators is to run an extension cable though a window, therefore leaving the window partially open, burglars know this and spend there time looking for that window to then simply climb thorough.

Dispose Of Gift Packaging Carefully

Rubbish collection times normally change over the festive season. Try taking the packaging to the recycling point rather than leaving it outside. Leaving packaging outside advertises what you have inside your home, we also recommend breaking apart large boxes so you can flat pack store them.

Be Careful Not To Advertise Your Home On Social Media Sites

A recent study shows that social media is commonly used by criminals for scouting out potential targets. Families using social media to publish their whereabouts during the holiday season let the would be criminals know that you’re away. Uploading photos of expensive gifts can also be a problem this effectively allows the criminals to go shopping by viewing your Facebook profile.

Check Doors And Windows

It’s one of the simplest things to do, before going out or before going to bed, make sure all windows and doors are secure. Take keys out of locks and never hang them up near the door or leave them on a shelf. You’d be amazed at how skilful the burglar is at fishing through your letterbox!

Don’t Forget The Garage and Sheds

Making sure garden tools and ladders that could be used to force entry into your home are not lying around or left in an insecure garage or shed. Garages are often targets for burglars especially at Christmas, which is where you have probably left those new bicycles. Having a good British Standard Approved lock on the garage door is equally  important as your home doors. Having a security light fitted on the garage or shed entrance is a very good deterrent.

Don’t Hide Spare Keys

Burglars know to look for hidden door keys. So don’t hide a spare under stones, doormats, above the door on a ledge or any other obvious places. Instead, give the spare key to a trusted neighbour or a family member. If you have hidden your keys and lost them then you can call your local Worthing locksmith to replace your locks for peace of mind.

Lastly, Don’t Forget To Register Your Gifts

Most electrical items have a unique identification code such as a serial number or for mobile phones an IMEI number. If your gift doesn’t have a unique identifying number or code you can buy affordable marking kits allowing the police to easily identify the owners f the items have been recovered. If you need any help understanding how to register your items we are happy to talk you through the process.

Seymour locksmiths are open over the festive season for any locksmithing requirements. We cover a 30 mile radius from our office in Shoreham-by-Sea.

We do NOT charge extra for being called out over this period.

Finally, we hope the above advice helps you keep your home secure and safe. From everyone here at Seymour Locksmiths we hope you have a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.