The holiday season brings joy, travel, and time with loved ones, but it also attracts burglars. Empty homes and closed businesses are prime targets during this time. Fortunately, a few smart security moves can help protect your property while you enjoy the festivities.
Perform a Pre-Holiday Security Check
Before heading out of town or locking up the office for the long weekend, do a complete security sweep. Go beyond the usual doors and windows. Secure side gates, garage doors, sheds, and even attic hatches. If any locks are rusty, sticky, or flimsy, get them replaced. Don’t overlook aging hardware or locks that haven’t been updated in years, these are often easy targets for break-ins.
Now is also a good time to call a professional for an upgrade if needed. Faulty locks and old systems won’t stand up to determined intruders.
Strengthen Your Doors and Frames
Front and back doors are common entry points for burglars, especially if the hardware is substandard. Invest in high-security deadbolts (Grade 1 rated if possible) that resist picking, drilling, and force. Make sure the deadbolt extends at least an inch into the doorframe.
That said, even the best lock won’t help if the doorframe is weak. Reinforce it with a steel strike plate and screws that anchor into wall studs. It’s a simple upgrade with major impact, it makes forced entry significantly harder.
Be Smart About What You Share Online
We live in a world where people post their lives online in real-time. But showing off your vacation while you’re away also tells everyone your home is empty. Avoid posting travel details until you’re back. Delay sharing beach selfies or holiday sales promotions that may hint at high-value stock in your business.
At home, keep wrapped gifts or electronics out of view from windows. If someone walking by can see your 70-inch TV or a pile of gift bags, so can a potential burglar.
Secure Your Office Before It Sits Empty
Many businesses close during the holidays, leaving behind expensive tech and documents. Take time to secure everything properly. Double-check master keys, update access controls, and make sure your alarm system is functioning.
If employees are coming and going or seasonal staff are involved, rekey your locks before the break. Lost or duplicated keys are a security nightmare waiting to happen. And consider upgrading to smart locks or keypad systems for extra control.
Use Light to Deter Intruders
Burglars love dark corners and empty homes. Exterior motion-sensor lights are an inexpensive and effective deterrent. Indoors, use light timers to turn lights, TVs, or radios on and off throughout the day to make it look like someone’s home.
Even better, set up a smart lighting system you can control remotely. You’ll be able to simulate presence from anywhere in the world. Combined with good outdoor lighting, it creates the illusion of occupancy, even when you’re far away.
Stop Hiding Spare Keys in Obvious Spots
One of the oldest tricks in the book, leaving a key under the mat or in a fake rock, is also one of the riskiest. Burglars know all the hiding spots. Instead, use a lockbox with a code or install a smart lock.
If you’re letting someone care for your home or pets while you’re away, give them controlled access, not a physical copy of the key that could be lost or misused. Know exactly who has access and change codes when necessary.
If keys are lost or a break-in attempt occurs, act fast. Rekey your locks or replace them right away. For emergencies, it’s wise to have a trusted 24 Hour Locksmith Service on hand who can respond quickly and efficiently.
Don’t Leave Security to Chance
You’ve decorated the tree, booked the flights, and wrapped the gifts, but have you secured your space? Whether it’s your home or business, now’s the time to take a proactive approach. Simple actions like reinforcing locks, updating access, and staying quiet online can make all the difference.
A professional locksmith can provide peace of mind and ensure that your defenses are up to date. Don’t wait for a problem to find you, act now, and enjoy the holiday season without unwanted surprises.
