Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year for travel, whether you are visiting family, staying with friends, or taking a winter break. However, empty homes can also attract unwanted attention. Longer nights, festive deliveries, and visible decorations can make properties more noticeable to intruders.
Taking a few simple precautions before you leave can help keep your home safe throughout the holiday season. Here is a practical home security checklist to go through before setting off.
1. Secure All Doors and Windows
Before you leave, walk through the house and check that every door and window is locked securely. Pay particular attention to any windows that are usually left on ventilation latches. Do not forget side doors, back doors, and conservatory doors, as these are often the first places intruders check.
2. Make the House Look Occupied
A home that appears lived-in is far less likely to be targeted. You can create this effect easily by:
- Using timed lamps to switch lights on in the evening.
- Leaving curtains slightly open rather than fully drawn.
- Asking a neighbour to move your bins back in after collection.
- Keeping a car on the driveway if possible.
These small details can make a noticeable difference.
3. Do Not Advertise Your Trip Online
It is tempting to post holiday excitement on social media, but doing so can inadvertently signal that your home is empty. If you want to share photos and updates, wait until you are back. Keeping travel plans private adds an important layer of protection.
4. Store Valuables Out of Sight
Christmas gifts, electronics, and jewellery should be kept away from windows or direct view. Even if the house is secure, visible valuables can encourage attempts at break-ins. A simple rearrangement can reduce risk significantly.
5. Set Up Your CCTV System
If you have CCTV installed, make sure it is working correctly before you leave. Check:
- Camera angles and coverage
- Night vision performance
- App or remote viewing access
- Storage capacity on the recorder or cloud
CCTV acts both as a deterrent and as a reliable way to check on your home from wherever you are.
6. Ask Someone You Trust to Check In
Having a neighbour, friend, or family member visit occasionally can help keep the property looking active. Even something as simple as collecting post or switching lights can prevent your home appearing empty. Let them know how to contact you in case anything seems unusual.
7. Keep Deliveries and Parcels Out of Sight
During the Christmas period, parcel deliveries increase significantly, and packages left on doorsteps can signal that no one is home. If you are expecting deliveries while you are away, arrange for them to be sent to a neighbour, a parcel locker, or a collection point. If that is not possible, consider adding a delivery instruction asking couriers to leave parcels in a concealed area. Removing signs of missed deliveries helps prevent your home appearing empty.
Stay Safe This Christmas
Christmas should be a time to relax and enjoy yourself. By securing your home, managing what can be seen from outside, and making use of CCTV, you can travel with confidence knowing your property is protected.
If you would like support improving your home security before the holidays, A&M UK Security can help you choose and install a system that suits your property and gives peace of mind all year round.
