Do you feel that your home is more attractive to criminals during the holidays?
Two-thirds of homeowners do, according to Alarm.com research. After all, with valuable package deliveries, brightly-lit windows, and the hustle and bustle of holiday travel, it's easy to make home security mistakes—or to worry about them.
If you're concerned about holiday security and looking to step up your crime prevention game for the season, start with these smarter home security tips.
1. It's easier than you think to deter a burglar
Have you ever wondered if your home security system will really keep a burglar away? According to the experts (a panel of actual burglars), it will. 83 percent of burglars look for them, and 60 percent say they'll go elsewhere if they spot one.
This means that it pays to make your security system visible. You can do this by adding smart outdoor security cameras, placing stickers and yard signs where they're easily spotted, or automating your outdoor lights to put prowlers in the spotlight.
Don't have any of these features? Get a home security upgrade from a local service provider.
2. Avoid leaving gifts out for package thieves
Not all holiday crime involves breaking and entering. With more Americans shopping for gifts online every year, the holidays have become prime time for package theft.
If you're concerned about your gifts falling into the hands of a porch pirate, it's worth investing in a home security setup that includes a doorbell camera and smart lock. This gives you the ability to secure any package delivery in seconds, using only your phone. It's an easier alternative to staying home for valuable deliveries, and far smarter than leaving things to chance.
3. Safeguard against security mistakes when you travel
Half of homeowners worry more about home security when they travel—and with good reason. The hustle and bustle of a holiday road trip leaves plenty of room for security mistakes like leaving your garage open or front door unlocked, or forgetting to turn your alarm on.
If you own a modern security system, be sure to set up a few smartphone alerts and reminders before you travel this year. You'll know if you forget anything essential, and you'll often be able to fix the problem without having to return home.
4. Connect with your neighbors for peace of mind
Not every holiday security safeguard needs to be hi-tech. Teaming up with your neighbors is a simple and effective way to stay safe and worry less over the holidays. It's also one of the most popular home security measures: this year, more than half of US homeowners will keep an eye on their neighbors' homes when they travel.
If you're teaming up with your neighbors this year, consider trading in your spare keys for a smart lock. While you may not be among the 20% of homeowners who lost their house keys this year, a smart lock with temporary user codes is worth it to ensure that no one else loses them for you.
5. Think beyond the holidays for long-term protection
Not all home security technology is the same. If you're looking for year-round, whole-home protection, it's worth doing some research before hopping online to buy a standalone doorbell camera as a quick fix. It'll cover your front door, but not much else.
A complete smart security system gives you many more ways to keep your home and family safe—such as professional monitoring for emergencies, connected smoke carbon monoxide detectors for safety, and safeguards like unexpected activity alerts and "crash and smash" protection.
Ready to go?
Alarm.com technology is sold, installed and serviced by licensed service providers near you.
