As the days grow shorter and the nights become longer, the Christmas season is fast approaching. While this time of year brings joy and celebration, it also presents unique risks and challenges.
With an increase in community events, family gatherings, Christmas shopping, and more traffic on the roads, the festive season creates opportunities for crime. Add to that the effects of alcohol consumption, people decorating their homes, and the general hustle and bustle, and it’s easy to see why this period demands extra vigilance.
One of the most common crimes during the holiday season is residential burglary. As darkness falls earlier and people attend festive events or go on vacation, homes and vehicles are left unattended, making them easier targets for thieves. Burglars know that with the increased activity and longer hours of darkness, the chances of a successful break-in rise. Protecting your home and family during this time is crucial, and staying aware of potential risks is key to preventing crime.
If you're planning to be away from home during the Christmas break, there are several simple yet effective measures you can take to safeguard your property. Be sure to lock all windows and doors securely before leaving, and consider using timer switches for your lights and radio to create the illusion that someone is home. This is a simple but effective deterrent against would-be burglars. Additionally, installing security products such as interactive alarms and video doorbells can provide an added layer of protection and peace of mind.
Another tip is to avoid leaving Christmas presents on open display, especially near windows. These valuable items can become easy targets if they are visible to thieves, particularly when lights are on and curtains are open. Opportunistic burglars may take advantage of this and target your home for a quick and easy heist.
It’s also important to remember that vehicles are at risk during the festive season. In fact, one in five car break-ins happens around Christmas time. Thieves may take advantage of the increased shopping traffic or distracted holiday-goers. To prevent this, make sure your vehicle is always locked, valuables are hidden from view, and consider investing in additional security measures such as steering wheel locks or alarms.
Protect your valuables
A high-quality home safe is crucial for protecting your valuables and irreplaceable items from theft and environmental damage. However, the best approach is to avoid keeping jewelry and other valuable items in your home altogether. Instead, if possible, consider storing them in a secure safety deposit box. If this is not an option, ensure that your valuables are locked away and kept out of sight. Members of the Asian community, in particular, should take extra precautions to safeguard family gold and valuable jewellery.
Sameer Patel from Sovereign Safe Deposit Centres UK, shared valuable insights on how to safely store important items in security deposit boxes. Patel emphasised the importance of organisation, insurance, and convenience when it comes to protecting your valuables. One of his key recommendations is to maintain a clear inventory of the items stored in your safe deposit box. Keeping track of what you have stored and where it is located will not only help you stay organised but also ensure you can quickly retrieve items when needed.
Patel also advises considering insurance for the items in your safe deposit box. The cost of insuring items stored in a safety deposit box is typically much lower than insuring similar items at home, providing both cost savings and enhanced security. For items that aren’t frequently used, Patel recommends storing them in a safe deposit box for added protection. Sovereign Safe Deposit Centres, for example, offer an easy and convenient service that doesn’t require an appointment, allowing you to access your box whenever needed.
Many customers at Sovereign take advantage of this flexibility, collecting jewellery from their safe deposit box only when required and returning it the same day. This ensures their valuables remain secure when not in use, without the inconvenience of keeping them at home. Additionally, the establishment’s walk-in service provides the flexibility to access your box during busy periods, such as holidays, weddings, or other important events, offering peace of mind.
By utilising a secure safe deposit box, Patel highlights that you can enjoy the benefits of your valuables when necessary, without the risks associated with keeping them at home.
