How to Keep Your Home Safe from Burglary During the Holidays

If you’re worried about staying protected from a home burglary, you’re not alone. With almost 63% of burglaries being residential, it’s essential to keep your home safe, especially during the holidays.

In this article, we’ll discuss how to keep your home safe through the holiday season and what you can do to prevent burglary.

Burglary Vs. Home Invasion

While both words may bring about uncomfortable feelings, they do have two different meanings. A burglary is when someone breaks into your home to commit a crime. A home invasion is when someone breaks into your home, while you or someone else is home, and is armed. Both events are dangerous and scary, but you can take steps to help prevent them. It’s important to understand the differences between the two for insurance coverage purposes.

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Insurance Coverage

Once you understand the different types of break-ins that can occur in your home, it’s important to gain insurance coverage for any damage. Each carrier has specific rules for burglaries and home invasions. Ask your insurance provider about dwelling coverage and personal property coverage for burglaries and home invasions.

How To Prevent Home Burglaries

As a homeowner, there are steps you can take to protect your home from a break-in. Here are some practical tips to ward off potential burglars.

Lock Your Windows and Doors

As obvious as this sounds, we don’t always follow through. People may open windows for fresh air and forget to lock a key point of entry. While you likely lock your front door, homeowners are less stringent about back- or side-door entry.

Install a Security System

Many homeowners can monitor the safety of their homes at a glance, thanks to advances in technology. Home monitoring systems offer video footage, alarms, motion detectors and more. They may be particularly helpful in cases of package theft during the holidays.

Keep Vacations Quiet

It’s not unheard of for burglars to take advantage while families are on vacation. Do your best to keep your travel plans under wraps and certainly off social media. (That goes for your kids or grandkids, too!)

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Keep Valuables Hidden

Many people understand it’s important to keep expensive property like jewelry, watches or a safe somewhere discreet. But this also applies to the rest of the expensive items in your home. This can include your tech appliances, lawn tools and vehicles. Ensure they are locked up or not in plain view from the outdoors.

Maintain Your Home

An occupied home that’s well taken care of is less of an open target. Unmowed grass, untrimmed bushes or a pile of packages all suggest absent owners. Keep your house looking neat and tidy to keep criminals at bay.

Change Your Locks

Homeowners may forget that their home used to belong to someone else — someone somewhere has a set of keys to your home. Consider changing the locks for a surefire solution.

Play the Part

Sometimes, safety is all about creating an illusion. Try something easy like playing the radio while you’re out or using lights with timers to look like you’re home.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your place is a top priority as a proud homeowner. Knowledge is power, so put these tips into practice for your own peace of mind. Remember to protect your property for a pleasant holiday season!

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