Home Security 101: Preventing Burglaries This Holiday Season

’Tis the season for giving – but also for break-ins. The FBI reports nearly 400,000 burglaries happen during the holidays each year, mostly in single-family homes.

Why it matters: About 70% are committed by amateurs – meaning most can be stopped with smart, simple habits.

Lock It Up

It’s good practice to always keep your home secure even when you’re not traveling.

• Whether you’re gone an hour or a week, lock every door and window.

• Most burglars look for easy access – don’t give them one.

Keep Travel Plans Private

Announcing your absence is like advertising an empty house.

• Skip posting travel updates on social media.

• Share vacation photos once you’re back.

Light It Up

Make it appear that someone is home.

• Use motion-sensor lighting and set timers for interior lights.

• New homes often come prewired for smart lighting – use it to manage lights remotely.

Use Smart Home Tech

Most new homes are built with smart-home systems already in place.

• Take advantage of smart locks, video doorbells, and app-connected alarms to monitor your home anywhere, anytime.

• Many send real-time alerts if a door opens or motion is detected.

Hide Gifts Smartly

Burglars know where to look.

• Don’t leave wrapped presents visible through windows or stored in the garage.

• Keep valuables and gifts inside and out of sight.

Have a House-Sitter

A lived-in home is the strongest deterrent of all.

• Ask a friend or neighbor to stop by or stay while you’re away.

• Be sure to have them get the mail and any packages from out front.

Bottom Line

Lock up, light up, and link up your smart systems. Your new home was built smart – make sure it’s protected smart, too.

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