Each holiday season, crime including home theft and larceny is known to increase and affect more families than at most other times during the year. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics’ National Crime Victimization Survey, personal larcenies take place at a rate about 22 percent higher in December than the average throughout the rest of the year. Reasons may include that perpetrators tend to be idler while out on holiday breaks from school and work, at the same time victims are away from home and personal property such as holiday decorations and home delivered packages are left unattended. Additionally, as a gift-giving time of year and following major retail sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, it is assumed that desirable new merchandise can be found in homes during the holidays.

It’s important for homeowners to be aware of heightened crime activity and take measures to avoid becoming a victim. Families and individuals must take care by doing the simple things first. They should always lock up doors, windows and other access points to the home whether they are home or away. At night or when homeowners are out, they should keep their home locked up and the garage door closed. After grocery and holiday shopping, homeowners should close car doors and trunks when making multiple trips unloading items into the house. Gifts can easily be taken from the trunk or backseat of their car parked outside or onlookers can target the home for later as they notice big ticket items being unloaded. As shopping is done online and gifts are mailed to families, this time of year, packages are delivered and left on porches in higher volume. Buyers should retrieve packages promptly or select delivery options such as signature release or in-store pick up to avoid having those items stolen and making their address a target for future package theft or burglary. Other items that petty larcenists might take include holiday decorations. Know that by leaving items outside and unattended may put them at risk of thievery. Take care by limiting decorations and not leaving valuable items outside overnight and while away from the home.

There are many options homeowners can consider as a supplement to these standard home security practices. Homeowners should always take proper measures to keep their home, belongings, and families safe from situations and individuals who might do them harm, and they should be especially cautious during the holidays. Real estate tech iBuyer, Offerpad, a company that buys and sells homes offering unassisted home tours to those who request access via their mobile app, provides advice and tips on how to keep their homes safe during the holiday season and all year round.

Self-monitored security system cameras

Becoming increasingly popular and more easily available by many retailers is security camera monitoring. It can be a great deterrent to criminals whether homeowners are at home or out and this is something that can be done immediately without professional installation. Self-monitoring security systems provide a cost-effective way to monitor homes and they often come without monthly contracts with a security company. These systems allow homeowners to setup multiple cameras wirelessly, inside and outside of the house. Getting real-time updates and allowing any-time monitoring, any place through the brand’s mobile app, these systems are known for giving owners peace of mind and control over their own home security. With so many new options, interested buyers can research, price and determine which system is best for their home needs.

Front-door monitoring

An abbreviated version of a self-monitored security system is front-door monitoring, often used with a self-monitoring mobile app. These products can be combined with or without the security camera system. They offer real-time alerts when someone approaches the home whether it is a potential threat, or a delivery person with holiday packages. The user is notified right away and can then decide if they want to speak with the person on the porch from home or away via the app. Notifications, a live camera feed, two-way radio capabilities, and self-install make this a simple and intuitive option for home protection. 

Company monitored home alarm system

For those away from home often, whether at work or further away traveling, self-monitoring may be too demanding. There is still the classic home security option of a paid, full-service home-security system. There are options ranging from local home security vendors to nationally recognized services that can each provide valuable home protection. Homeowners are encouraged to know their needs and research companies that can help keep their home and loved ones safe. Professional home security systems are known for reliable service that gives their customers peace of mind and safety at home.

Motion Sensor Flood Lighting

Installing flood lights is a common and effective deterrent to home break-ins and criminal activity. This is a simple and cost-effective option that can protect homeowners’ assets during the dark hours of the night and early morning when many home thefts take place. Whether at home or away, motion sensory lights work essentially as a spotlight that allows those in the home to recognize suspicious activity outside and neighbors to become aware of situations as well. Motion sensor flood lighting can be installed at any area outside the home and can be paired with many other home protection services.

Watchdog

A low-tech but trusted option for property protection is to employ the services of the family pet. Many dogs are great for alerting homeowners of intruders and possible threats. In addition to being a part of the family, dogs can be trained to protect their owners and ward off uninvited guests. Loyal and loving to families, dogs have a keen sense of fear and danger as well as a duty to protect. Signs reading “Beware of Dog” in a window or on fences, paired with the family guard dog, can also deter people from trespassing and burglarizing. Putting a capable dog who is already a member of the family to work in home security is perhaps the most economical home protection option and it can easily be paired with many other solutions. In fact, many sensors in home surveillance systems are programed to recognize pets and not trip alarms as they move around the home or yard.

Although crime rates are higher this time of year, homeowners have many options for home security and protection and they do not need to become victims this holiday season. With proper care and implementation of necessary home security habits and systems, families can feel confident that their home and belongings will be safe. It is important for all to be aware of possible threats this holiday season, know how best to protect their home and their families, and take steps to mitigate potential issues.

 

David Stephan serves as communications manager for Offerpad. With previous experience in a variety of industries including food services, athletics, transportation infrastructure and financial services, David manages Offerpad’s external communication efforts.