Christmas is a time for family, travel and festive fun, but it’s also a time when homes are more vulnerable. Shorter days, longer trips away and the excitement of the season can create opportunities for burglars and increase the risk of accidental household fires. Whether you’re away for a night or a full holiday, a few thoughtful steps can help keep your home safe.
Make your home look occupied
Most burglaries aren’t sophisticated, they’re opportunistic. The simplest way to discourage intruders is to make your home appear lived-in. Lights on timers, blinds positioned naturally rather than fully closed, and a driveway free from piled-up post all send a clear message that someone is regularly coming and going. If you’re away for more than a couple of days, asking a neighbour to keep an eye out can also make a meaningful difference.
Let your CCTV work to its full potential
A well-installed CCTV system is one of the most reliable ways to protect a property. Before you go away, check your cameras are clean, recording properly and haven’t been nudged or blocked by decorations or seasonal clutter. If your system sends notifications to your phone, test them before you leave so you know you’ll be alerted if anything unusual happens.
CCTV signage also plays an underrated role over Christmas. It signals to potential intruders that your home isn’t an easy target, especially valuable at a time of year when many houses sit empty.
Don’t make access easy
The familiar festive rush often leads to small mistakes – leaving a side gate unlocked, forgetting to secure a shed, or leaving a spare key somewhere predictable. Taking a few seconds to double-check access points can prevent an intruder from simply walking in. If you store ladders, tools or garden equipment outdoors, lock them away or secure them; they’re often used to break into the very homes they belong to.
Reduce fire risks before you head out the door
December brings candles, fairy lights, cooking, heaters and long evenings indoors, all of which increase fire risk. Before travelling, switch off and unplug decorations, check your smoke alarms are working, and clear surfaces around hobs and appliances. Even small changes, like unplugging chargers or turning off multi-plug adaptors, can eliminate hidden hazards.
If you’re worried about cold snaps, setting your heating to a low, steady temperature can help prevent frozen pipes, another common Christmas issue that can turn into a major problem while you’re away.
Set off with peace of mind
If you use a home alarm system, make sure it’s working correctly, keyholder contacts are up to date, and that you know how to arm it properly before leaving. Testing your system takes minutes but offers peace of mind throughout your trip.
