It’s hard to believe the holiday season is fast approaching, and it is never too early to start assessing your home security ahead of seasonal festivities.
According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), two types of crime increase during the holidays—theft and robbery. And it’s easy to understand why. Each year millions of people head off to spend the holidays with loved ones living out of town, leaving their own homes unattended…and all too often, unprotected.
As one of Sydney’s most trusted locksmith companies, we wanted to share our top 5 favorite tips for keeping your home safe this holiday season.
1 – Install a Security System
Having a security system installed in your home is the single best way to make sure your family and belongings are safe.
Our team can quickly and efficiently install a system that will alert you if anyone enters your home through a door, window, or garage.
You also have the option of installing wireless cameras in your home and monitoring activity with an app. This is especially great if you have older children who may be staying home alone and you want to keep tabs on them while you are away.
2 – Don’t Broadcast Travel Plans
We get it…the world tells you to shout upcoming travel plans from the rooftops of social media. After all, how else will your friends, family, and coworkers know how much fun you’re having?
The truth is, it’s never a good idea to share plans to be out of town (no matter how private you think your social media pages are). Do yourself a favor and wait to make social media posts about your out-of-town trip until you are back home.
3 – Avoid Leaving Packages in Plain Sight
Many people leave their windows open long after dark in the days leading up to Christmas. While your packages may look lovely stacked around the tree, you’re also giving burglars a clear view of gifts and other valuables in your home.
According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, the items most sought after by burglars (after cash) are:
- Laptop Computers
- Mobile Phones
- Jewelry
- Cameras
Make sure such items are out of sight and close your blinds or curtains before the sun goes down.
4 – Install a Porch Camera
Online shopping is a booming business with as much as $5 billion worth of packages arriving on Aussie doorsteps. Unfortunately, burglars are all too familiar with this statistic, and a whopping 1 in 4 people have lost packages to thieves over the last five years.
If you’re having a security system installed, make sure it includes a camera on the front porch to ward off burglars. And even if you aren’t installing a full system, you may want to consider installing a smart doorbell to alert you when packages are delivered and let you know if someone tries to make off with them.
5 – Talk to Your Neighbors
If you know you will be away from home for several days, talk to a neighbor you trust and inform them of your plans. Ask them to keep an eye on your property to let you know if they notice any suspicious activity.
If your mailbox is on sight, ask them to collect any mail or packages that are delivered. A porch full of boxes or an overflowing mailbox will alert burglars that you are out of town.
If you are interested in making your home secure ahead of the holiday season, we hope you’ll contact us at One & Only. Our trusted experts will ensure your home stays safe no matter how long you are away.
About Us:
Our philosophy is client-first – and alongside undoubted quality services, they have given us the privilege of working with a variety of returning clients. We keep your interests first, and our Locksmiths are there to help you as soon as you make a phone call!
- Our mobile workstations/vehicles are fitted with high-tech tools and equipment to get most jobs done on-site and immediately.
- Rain, COVID-19, hail, storm, sun, or fog – we will be there whenever you need us.
- Become our regular customers and receive discounts from us.
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