Christmas is a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, it’s also a time when malicious burglars target homes. Chances are you know someone who’s had their home burgled at some point. The PRC reported 272,402 burglaries for the year ending June 2023.
At Ultion, we know that protecting your home during Christmas is essential to keep you in the festive spirit. In this blog post, we’ll share some handy tips and the most effective security upgrades to keep your home safe and Grinches at bay.
1. Reinforce Your Doors & Windows
Your home is only as safe as your strongest hardware. With a shocking 76% of burglars breaking in through a door, securing your doors is not optional. For maximum security, we recommend Kitemark and Sold Secure Diamond accredited locks such as the Ultion 3-Star Plus. If your doors are old or showing signs of wear, it might be time to consider a door upgrade.
Also, remember the hardware on your patio doors and windows. Many burglars know that these often get overlooked, so you might as well get a step ahead of them. A high-security handle such as the Sweet Patio Door Handle adds an extra layer of security to your door. As for your windows, consider installing laminated glass or security film to make it harder for burglars to break in.
2. Lock Your Doors
Another thing to note is that your door should be locked at all times. Walk-in burglaries are more frequent than you’d think, so follow our expert recommendations to avoid them:
- Install a traditional or smart spyhole so you’re not opening the door to the wrong people;
- Get into the habit of locking your door every time you enter or leave the house;
- Upgrade your door lock to a high-security Smart Lock such as the Ultion Nuki Plus for extra safety and peace of mind. Our T3 Platinum Award Winner not only connects to your favourite Smart Home device (such as Ring or Alexa) but also integrates with Wi-Fi so you can lock and unlock your door from anywhere.
3. Don’t Advertise Your Absence and Gift Loot
Avoid broadcasting your absence if you are travelling for Christmas. Try not to post about your travel plans on social media, and ask a neighbour or family member to collect your mail, packages, and newspaper. Home burglars are drawn to dark, deserted houses.
As you build up your gift loot around your Christmas tree, try to keep it from outside eyes. Put your tree somewhere you can’t see through windows. Burglars will peep into your house before they break in to see what they can take.
4. Invest in a Smart Home Security System
A professionally monitored home security system is a significant deterrent for would-be burglars. These systems come with 24/7 monitoring and can notify authorities in an emergency, such as a break-in or a fire. It’s also easy to fake your presence by turning the lights on and off.
Here’s a reminder: 9 seconds is all it takes for a burglar to break into your house, so a home security system won’t do much without a strong lock.
By following these top tips, you can significantly enhance the safety of your home during the Christmas season. Home security truly is an investment in peace of mind, allowing you to focus on what truly matters during this festive time: spending quality moments with your loved ones. Don’t let Grinches steal your joy this Christmas – take proactive steps to protect your home and enjoy a safe and merry holiday season with Ultion. Get your Ultion upgrades here.
