With many people going away for the holidays and homes across the UK becoming filled with expensive gifts galore – it’s no surprise that the festivities bring along an influx of break-ins each year. Although you shouldn’t have to expect that your home will be stolen from, burglars are relying on your lack of vigilance – which is why preventative measures are so important.
Here are some key tips to help you keep your home secure this season…
Festive lighting
A common mistake when outdoor Christmas decorating is to feed extension cables through partially open windows. This is a vulnerability that criminals are aware of, and they will be quick to take advantage of it. When it comes to outdoor lighting, safer options include solar and battery-operated lights, or installing outdoor electrical outlets.

Don’t display your empty gift boxes
If you’re unable to take gift packaging to a recycling centre, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before collection day and take some time to tear up/fold boxes inside out to ensure that your new valuable items aren’t being advertised to potential thieves.

Plan ahead for a break
If you’re planning on going away over Christmas, make sure to put your newspaper or milk subscriptions on hold as a doorstep full of missed deliveries will signal to thieves that no one is home. You could also ask a trusted neighbour to keep an eye out for parcels and keep hold of them until you return.

Be wary of social media
There’s nothing wrong with taking some festive snaps while you’re away with friends and family, and you shouldn’t hold back on capturing any memories. However, it’s advisable to wait until you're home to post pictures online, as revealing your current location on social media can flag up to burglars that your home is vacant.
Another mistake to avoid is posting pictures of any flashy gifts online. You may just want to show your appreciation to your loved ones, but it’s better to do so in private so that untrustworthy strangers aren’t being made aware of the contents of your home.

Don’t hide keysHiding spare keys outdoors is a bad choice that burglars are waiting for you to make. Although it might seem tactful to hide spare a key under a rock, a plant pot or above a door ledge, doing so is no different to leaving your front door unlocked at all times. Giving your spare key to a trusted neighbour or family member is a much safer option. Additionally, try not to leave keys in locks at night, as they might be reachable through your letterbox.

Home insuranceThankfully, home insurance does cover losses from theft, including instances that happen whilst you’re away. Buildings and contents insurance will cover your home in the case of a break-in, and above all else will provide you with peace of mind over the season when you’re supposed to be relaxing and enjoying yourself.