4 Simple Tips to Prevent Holiday Burglary

The holiday season is a peak time for burglaries and home invasions. People know that there may be expensive gifts underneath the Christmas tree, and a quick break-in can provide a burglar with pricey, easily-pawned or hocked merchandise.

One insurance company reports that there is a 12 percent increase in theft claims on December 19 and 20 compared to the month's average. On those days, burglars know that most Christmas shopping is finished, and if the presents aren't under the tree, they are hiding somewhere in the house in preparation for Christmas. The peak day for burglaries, according to Churchill Home Insurance, is New Year's Eve. The break-in rate that night is 28 percent higher than the December average. Burglars by that point may have had a chance to scour the neighborhood trash bins to see who got the most expensive electronics. Additionally, many people are away from their home for long hours on New Year's Eve, celebrating with friends and family and providing burglars with ample time and the cover of darkness.

Following are some helpful tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a seasonal holiday burglary:

• Make it look like someone is home. If you are going to be traveling, ask a friend or neighbor to watch your house, collect mail and newspapers, and even shovel sidewalks. Consider putting your lights on an automatic timer if you're going to be out of town for several days. Even if you are just leaving for the evening, turn on the lights and the television.
• Keep valuables hidden. Placing gifts under the tree in a front window, leaving curtains and blinds open, and placing boxes for high-dollar items at the curb for trash pickup can allow a potential burglar to easily "window-shop." Do not openly display high-theft items. Break down electronics boxes and dispose of them in closed containers. Close your curtains and blinds.
• Make it hard to hide. If you have tall shrubs or plants near your doorway, and if your yard and porch are not adequately lit, you give a potential burglar the means to hide and sneak into your home. Clear doorways, windows, and other entrances to your home. Make sure porch lights are on and your home's exterior is well-lit.
• Lock and secure all windows and doors. Sure, a burglar can break into your home, but why make it easy for him? Whenever you leave your home, even for a short time, make sure all windows and doors are locked.

You can take additional measures to protect your home from burglary, including installing an alarm system or buying a dog. However, even the four simple measures above can significantly reduce your risk of burglary during the holidays.