Longer nights give thieves the cover by darkness they don’t get in the summer months. And with Christmas around the corner, homes across the region are hiding all new bikes, tablets, and other expensive gifts and gadgets ready to surprise loved ones on Christmas day.

Did you know it can take just 60 seconds for thieves to steal from your home?

Hide gifts

Take note of what prying eyes can see through your doors and windows. Ensure no valuables can be seen – even if that means moving your Christmas tree somewhere else. Remember, the vast majority of burglaries are opportunistic. So don’t tempt criminals by showing them a window display that’s too good to resist. This applies post Christmas too. Empty boxes are an advertisement for the goodies inside so where possible, keep bins closed and empty packaging discrete.

Don’t announce on social

Thieves don’t want to get caught. If they think they’ve got a good chance of getting in and out undisturbed, they’re more likely to go for it. Empty houses are ideal targets so don’t give thieves an easy ride by announcing you’re on holiday or not at home. Instead, check your security settings and consider the possible consequences before you hit publish on your social platforms.

Lock up

It’s easy to get carried away by the season of goodwill and forget what you’d normally do. Don’t let your standards slip. Instead, always lock your doors and windows when you leave your home to ensure it’s safely secured.

Stay vigilant

Keep an eye on your neighbourhood during the festive season. If you spot suspicious activity or behaviour, don’t be afraid to call the police. It’s always better to be safe, than sorry.

Look occupied

 At this time of the year, we’re more likely to be out and about at office parties, social events, or visiting friends and family. So if you can’t be at home, make it look as though someone is in. You can do this by putting lights on timers. This isn’t a foolproof strategy, but it can be enough to sow the seeds of doubt and persuade a burglar to change their mind.