Between tempting expensive gifts and the long darker nights, research consistently proves that crime tends to spike across the next few months so it pays to be extra vigilant.
The Christmas shopping chaos has started if this past weekend was anything to go by. Add in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, people are spending a lot of money on gifts for loved ones in the run up to the big day.
According to Statisa, the average UK household spends between £700 - £900 at Christmas time - burglars know this but rarely do people take any extra measures during December.
It’s important that us shoppers practice some common sense and maintain an awareness of our surroundings to stay safe and secure.
Many people simply store presents under the tree but when proudly displayed in plain sight, it can be all too tempting for opportunistic burglars.
Another place people choose to hide presents is in the car, especially on Christmas Eve as sacks and stockings are primed ready for delivery. In general, keeping valuables in your car is never a good idea but astonishingly, Go.Compare has just released new research which found that 7% of people are planning to hide presents in the back of their car this Christmas.
Here some handy tips to keep yourself secure and protected:
- If you’re having parcels delivered when you are out, arrange for them to be delivered to a collection point or an alternative address to avoid having parcels stolen from your doorstep. It might be helpful to install a video doorbell.
- When unloading the shopping from the car, try not to do it in a few runs leaving car doors open and the car unlocked. If you need to, make a few trips back and forth, using your car boot which you can easily lock. Also be vigilant and ensure no one is watching you plus remember to park in a safe, well-lit area.
- For any high value purchases like Playstations etc, consider adding a security mark to these valuables and register them free of charge on www.immobilise.com so that they can be identified if they are stolen.
- Don’t leave gifts visible or under the tree or on show – it’s tempting for burglars.
- Don’t leave gifts in your car - in the event of a theft, car insurance policies may not cover the costs of replacing these expensive items.
- Don’t leave gifts in outbuildings such as your garage or garden shed either as they are hotspots burglars always check.
- Don’t forget to dispose of labelled packaging carefully. If someone sees a laptop box in your bin, they know that laptop is in your home!
- If you are planning to head out to enjoy the festivities in the evening, close curtains and leave use smart bulbs to give the impression that somebody is at home and also consider installing an house alarm.
- If you’re going away over Christmas remember to cancel any deliveries, perhaps let a neighbour park on your driveway so it looks like somebody is at home, and never post about your holiday on social media until you return.
So where should you store your gifts? Somewhere hidden and secure, away from little children’s prying eyes and burglars such as your attic, or a bedroom cupboard.
