Expensive gadgets, clothes, perfume and jewellery often make popular Christmas list items. 

These types of Christmas present’s offer easy opportunities to burglars who can grab when making a quick getaway and can sell on quickly – making them easily untraceable.

Key security aspects
to prepare for Christmas 2018

There are some key aspects to think about when preparing for Christmas and to ensure that you keep your home safe, here are some ideas:

1. Presents Under Tree – Don’t leave expensive gifts visible under the tree during the weeks leading up to Christmas. Storing them safely out of sight will deter burglars from breaking into your home if they are looking for items to quickly grab from under the tree.
    
2. Outdoor Christmas Lights – These are becoming more and more popular across the UK as homeowners light up their homes and gardens with magical Christmas scenes.  The issue is that often they don’t have an external power socket and so they trail extension leads through their windows. This prevents them from shutting the windows securely and provides a prime target to intruders. Not only do the lights draw attention to the potentially vulnerable house, but there is also a good chance that their window may be left on the catch, creating easy opportunity for burglars to gain access.
    
3. Curtains and Blinds – Keep these closed at dusk and at night to minimise drawing attention and peering eyes into your home well-lit home. Installing lights on a timer will give the impression that the house is occupied even if you are not at home.
    
4. Going Away This Christmas? – Cancel newspaper and milk deliveries.  Ask a neighbour to park their vehicle on your drive so that it gives the impression that your home is occupied. Put your bins out for collection and ask a neighbour to return them to your property once empties. Ask a neighbour to keep an eye on the house and either push post fully through the letterbox or collect your post from your porch and store safely until you return.
    
5. Using Social Media – Don’t boast on social media about expensive gifts you have received or promote that you are off on your holidays for Christmas.  Wait until you return home after your holiday and then upload your photos.
    
6. Book a Christmas security review – Taking care of your existing installed alarm and giving it some TLC could be the best Christmas present that you give yourself and your family this Christmas.  If you have an alarm but it is not maintained by SGS Systems Ltd, then we can still help!  Under our Christmas security review, we will carry out a security review of your existing alarm to keep you safe this season.  For more information please contact us on 01902 700687 or see our website www.sgssystems.co.uk.  Providing house burglar alarms, CCTV, smoke security and much more, we support homeowners and commercial business proprietors across the west midlands, staffordshire, shropshire and the UK with property security.