Christmas is upon us and as we all patiently wait to see what presents lie under the Christmas tree unfortunately so are many potential intruders, looking
to take advantage of the busy social schedules and expensive items on show in homes all across the country.
Research shows that burglars do take a day off on Christmas Day however during the winter months statistics reflect that thefts increase by a massive 20%!
Unfortunately, it’s not just homes that are targeted, many fraudsters attack on-line to take advantage of the surge in
on-line shopping during December.
Christmas is a time to enjoy ourselves, spending time with much loved family and friends, along with all the festive activities we attend around this
special time of year. We have put together some helpful hints and tips below to help keep your home and Christmas gifts safe ready to be received on
Christmas Day.
1. Christmas Gifts
Try to keep any expensive items out of view of windows and passersby on the street. It’s best to hold off until Christmas Eve on placing any items under
the tree. Following the excitement and unwrapping our Christmas gifts we are all left with the vast amount of packaging and boxes that these items come in,
whilst we will be quick to get these outside and into the bin it is worth bearing in mind that these can act as adverts to potential intruders, letting
them know what valuable items lie inside your home, it is best to set the boxes aside and take these out on the morning the bins are due for collection, or
taking them directly to your local dump.
2. Lock all Windows and Doors
During the frantic rush of Christmas we are often in and out of our homes in a hurry trying to get things in order for the holiday which can sometimes mean
we become forgetful. Try to stay aware and ensure when leaving your home that all of your windows and doors are closed and locked securely. Pause for a
moment, check and check again!
3. Home security
If you don't already have security cameras, it’s a great idea to install some form of
home security system. Many potential intruders are opportunists and
may take advantage of a target if it arises, a home security system is a fantastic way to deter burglars and keep an eye on your property if you are away.
4. Out shopping
Be alert and aware when out shopping especially in overcrowded busy city and town centres. Try not to have expensive jewellery on show and ensure your
purse or wallet are hidden from view. If your’re shopping with lots of bags full of gifts try and stay alert for approaching strangers, many potential
thieves may be looking for easy targets to pick pocket.
5. Christmas Shopping
Don't leave presents or valuables on view in your car. If you’re out shopping and have too many bags to carry it’s easy to quickly nip back to the car to
drop these off and continue shopping without a second thought. With this in mind, always park your car in well lit, visible areas ideally in a car park
with security cameras or guards where your vehicle will be on show, clearly visible and less likely to be targeted by thieves.
6. Buying online
If you’re shopping online it’s good to do your research, if something looks too good to be true it quite often is. Many online criminals will try to take
advantage of Christmas shoppers with fly-by websites looking to take customers banking details. Always double check the product and look for websites that
offer secure payment like paying with
Paypal.
Be mindful when using social media promotions to buy products, a lot of social posts may be unverified and promoted from an unknown website and can use
shortened url's to disguise this. If you are looking through social media for deals be sure to use official pages - these will often be verified by a blue
tick and have a direct link to the company's website or other social media channels.
7. Social Media
Whilst we can all be swept up in the excitement for the much anticipated Christmas party or perhaps that holiday away over the festive period it is worth
keeping in mind that putting these details across social media will advertise that your property will be unoccupied for a certain period and not everyone
reading those details will be wishing you a Merry Christmas and to enjoy your time away.
