The holidays are a great time for family gatherings, shopping for presents, and cozy days at home. However, you should know that the holiday season is prime time for crime – statistics point to a 20% uptick in burglaries, theft, and home invasions. Whether individuals want to prey on susceptible people or want to fulfill their own needs through illicit means, everyone can agree on not becoming a victim.
Luckily, there are plenty of things you as a homeowners and family can do to avoid being targeted by criminal opportunists – especially installing and using Nightlock’s line of residential security products. . In this short guide, we will take a look at some of the best-practices and tips to keep your family and your possessions safe this the holiday season.
Garbage Pickup
Don’t leave opened cardboard boxes of expensive goods outside your home until garbage day – preferably the day-of pickup. Thieves will scope out your neighborhood and determine which homes have expensive items that are worth stealing or have the means to afford these items. Instead, hold on to your boxes until after presents have been opened or dispose of these boxes in a closed, nondescript recycling/garbage can.
Lock Up Before Leaving for Vacation
Many families choose to go on vacation or visit relatives in other parts of the country during the holidays. This gives criminals an easy opportunity to target your home and steal belongings – all with ample time to lockpick or use brute force to gain entry to your home.
By setting Nightlock on all of your main entry ways, your home is equipped with a doorstopper that can withstand substantial damage. This acts as a deterrent and can ward off attacks long enough for law enforcement to arrive. Used in conjunction with doorbell cameras, this enables homeowners to call authorities and record individuals before they strike again.
Lock Up at Night or During Celebrations
When you’re at home, it can be nice to have the peace of mind during gatherings at your home with Nightlock’s line of home security products:
- Engage Nightlock on entrances of your home to prevent entry to certain doors
- Use Nightlock as a way to close off areas of your home for guests and visitors
- Nightlock’s line of blackout curtains prevent prying eyes from seeing into your home, as well as enjoy private moments.
- Use Nightlock when sleeping or if you have children, disabled or elderly if you choose to go out. Make sure that you establish a security routine with your family to safely engage and disengage locks.
Leave Lights on When You’re Not Home
If you’re leaving your home for a period of time unoccupied, go ahead and leave the lights on. Criminals are more likely to leave homes that appear occupied and may increase the risk for their apprehension.
COVID-19 Concerns
It is projected that the spread of COVID-19 will increase during the winter months. Nightlock offers a line of plexiglass sneezeguards that keep germs segregated in your home.
For vulnerable households, creating a decontamination room before those who’ve worked, went to school, shopped, or visited a high-exposure area enter your home is a smart move. Or, for parents that homeschool their children, sneeze guards can prevent your children passing on the virus to other members of your household.
If a family member does become sick, plexiglass sneezegards can help quarantine an area off until symptoms become better. This helps minimize exposure throughout your home.
Keeping Your Vehicle Safe
Every time you leave your vehicle in the parking lot, there is a risk that your valuables – or even unattended children – can be targeted by criminals. Even if your car is equipped with multiple security devices, a simple smash-and-grab can lead to hundreds in lost merchandise and pricy window repair. Considering that most parking garages and stores absolve themselves of any liability, you need to take responsibility.
How can you avoid this?
First, be sure to keep any valuables in your person, such as a smartphone or your wallet. Second, don’t leave any children in your vehicle. Third, while dining or shopping, park within sight so that you can get a clear visual of anyone attempting to tamper with your vehicle. Last, don’t park in dark spots of the lot and try to park beneath some form of store surveillance camera. If your car ends up broken into, you have a higher likelihood to recover your stolen items.
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