'Tis the season to be jolly, but it's also the season to prioritize the safety of your home and loved ones. As we immerse ourselves in the festivities of the holiday season, it's crucial to take proactive steps to ensure the security of our households. While for law abiding folks like yourself, the holidays are filled with feasts, family, friends, and gift-giving. However, for thieves, it's an opportune time to steal and line their "pockets" with what doesn't belong to them. Keep your home and family safe and secure this holiday season by implementing the following tips.

5 Tips to Safeguard Your Home

Light Up Your World

Illuminate your home like a winter wonderland by strategically placing outdoor lighting. Well-lit exteriors act as a deterrent for potential intruders, making your home a less tempting target. Consider installing motion-activated lights around entry points, pathways, and dark corners. This not only enhances security but also conveniently adds an extra festive glow to your home..

As far as indoor lighting goes, make sure to leave a couple of interior lights on in your home while you're away. Nothing says "No one's home" like a completely dark house. There have been too many stories to count of peoples' homes getting broken into while they were away on vacation because their home was completely dark for days or weeks on end. It's not uncommon for thieves to take note of peoples' routines before committing a burglary. Protect your home by keeping some lights on while you're away, not just during the holiday season, but year round.

Be Mindful of Online Shopping Deliveries

If you're ordering holiday gifts online, be cautious about package deliveries. Thieves may target unattended packages left on doorsteps. Look for delivery options that require a signature or have packages delivered to a secure location, like a local pick-up point.

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Smart Home Security Systems

We're in the era of smart technology, and your home security should be no exception. Invest in a reliable smart home security system that allows you to monitor your property remotely. From video doorbells to indoor cameras, these systems offer real-time alerts and 24/7 surveillance. Some even allow you to control access to your home, ensuring only trusted individuals are welcome. It's the unfortunate reality that one can never be "too prepared" these days.

Secure Your Castle

Before you leave your home for holiday travels, fortify your home by securing all entry points. Double-check windows and doors, ensuring they are locked and, if applicable, reinforce them with additional security measures like deadbolts or window bars. If you have a sliding glass door, consider placing a rod in the track to prevent forced entry. A well-secured home provides peace of mind while you're away celebrating the season.

Speaking of securing your castle, having a gun safe is like the superhero of home security. It's not just for keeping your firearms safe but also for locking up those super important things you can't replace. If you're not rolling in cash and a big safe feels like a splurge, no worries. You can snag a smaller home or office safe that does the job for $150 or even less. Security on a budget sounds like a holiday gift in and of itself.

Neighborhood Watch

Embrace the spirit of community by forming alliances with your neighbors. Establishing a neighborhood watch or simply informing a trusted neighbor of your travel plans can be an effective way to enhance home security. They can keep an eye on your property, collect mail, and create the illusion of an occupied home. Return the favor when they're away, creating a collaborative safety net for the entire neighborhood.

Tips to Safeguard Your Vehicles

By incorporating the following tips into your holiday routine, you can significantly enhance the security of your vehicles and reduce the risk of falling victim to holiday-related thefts. Remember, a little precaution goes a long way in safeguarding your festive season on wheels!

Secure Parking

Choose your parking spots wisely. Opt for well-lit areas, preferably with surveillance cameras, when parking your vehicle during the holiday season. If you're out shopping or attending festive events, try to park in busy and populated areas, as they provide an additional layer of security.

Also, keep an eye out for suspicious activity in parking lots. If you notice someone loitering around vehicles or behaving strangely, report it to security or law enforcement. Being aware of your surroundings can help prevent potential theft.

Lock it Up

This might sound like a no-brainer, but it's surprising how often it's overlooked. Always lock your vehicle, even if you're stepping away for just a moment. Use common sense and ensure that all windows are rolled up, and don't forget to activate any security features your car may have, such as alarms or steering wheel locks.

Hide Your Valuables

Avoid leaving visible valuables (like gifts) in your car. If you're out shopping, place bags, gifts, and any other items of value in the trunk or, better yet, take them with you. A tempting display of shopping bags is an open invitation for theft. Another thing to consider is not posting all your gifts in your vehicle's seat to your social media. I know, as ridiculous as it may seem, there are plenty of people who throw out common sense for an "insta-worthy" post. Those are exactly the types of posts thieves prey on. Some things are just better kept off social media.

Park Strategically at Home

When at home, park your vehicle in a well-lit area or a garage if possible. Install motion-activated lights around your driveway or parking space, deterring potential thieves from approaching your vehicle unnoticed. Also, think about installing anti-theft devices such as steering wheel locks, wheel clamps, or car alarms. These serve as visible deterrents and can significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle being targeted.

Keep Spare Keys Secure

Avoid leaving spare keys in your vehicle. While it might be convenient for you, it's equally convenient for someone with less-than-honorable intentions. If you must have spare keys in your car (which we highly recommend you don't), try using a secure lockbox.

This holiday season, let the twinkling lights on your tree be the only thing stealing the show. By implementing these four holiday home security tips, you're not just safeguarding your property; you're ensuring a season filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of family. So, light up the night, embrace the power of technology, fortify your home, and build bonds with your neighbors. After all, the true magic of the holidays lies in creating a secure haven where your loved ones can celebrate, worry-free. Cheers to a safe and joyful holiday season!