Protecting your home from burglary is important all year round, but thieves are particularly aware that the holiday season often brings new gifts, cash, cards, and valuable items to your home. This makes it even more essential to stay alert and implement extra security measures during this time.
Safeguard yourself and your possessions by following a few simple safety precautions. Plus, you could save on your insurance premiums by qualifying for discounts for installing protective devices!

While Away from Your Home

• Always lock all doors and windows whenever you leave the house, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Turn on your lights and the radio or television – a timer can help with this.
• Keep your front door clear of package deliveries to avoid attracting porch pirates, especially during the busy holiday shopping season. If you’re expecting a delivery, set up email or text alerts to track its arrival. You might also want to request that your mail carrier leave packages at your back door for added security.
• Keep your curtains closed to prevent thieves from seeing inside your home. Also, avoid placing expensive gifts near windows, as they could tempt would-be thieves looking for an easy target.
• Avoid leaving spare keys hidden outside during the holidays. Instead, entrust the spare key to a reliable neighbor or family member for added security.
• Store ladders and tools securely, as they could be used by intruders to gain access to your home.
• Always keep doors and windows, including those on upper floors, locked—even when you’re at home.

While Home

• Be cautious of strangers at your door, as criminals may disguise themselves as charity workers or delivery couriers bringing gifts.
• If you have a garage, park your car inside and close the door before unloading your gifts. Burglars sometimes watch shoppers leave malls, follow them home, and then steal packages from unlocked cars while you’re inside. If you don’t have a garage, always lock your car as you carry packages inside, even if you’re just stepping back out for more.
• After the holidays, be mindful when disposing of packaging for expensive gifts, as thieves may target your home knowing valuable items are inside. Instead of leaving the boxes out with branding visible, cut them up and place them plain-side out before recycling or discarding them.

While Traveling on Vacation

• Avoid posting about upcoming trips on social media. Wait until you’re back home to share details and photos, as it can alert potential burglars that your home is un-occupied.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to keep an eye on your home while you’re away and occasionally park in your driveway to make it look like someone is there.
• Have mail and newspapers suspended while you are away, so they don’t pile up outside.
• Set up a timer to turn your lights on in the evening and off during the day, creating the appearance that someone is home.

Consider installing safety devices like deadbolt locks, window grates or bars, burglar alarm systems, and security cameras to enhance your home’s security. Many insurance companies offer discounts for homes equipped with qualifying security features that are central monitoring or video surveillance.

Even with the best precautions, if a burglar is determined to break into your home, they may find a way. That’s why it’s crucial to insure your property against theft. Keep in mind that you may need to add extra coverage for valuable items such as jewelry, collectibles, or rare antiques.

One of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season is protected home insurance. Contact Clyde Paul Agency to learn about potential discounts and make sure your policy is current and provides the coverage you need.