Home Security Threats to Watch for This Winter

November 9, 2022 by Anas Mustafa

With winter soon approaching, it’s best to put plans in motion to protect yourself and your family from any security threats this winter. This includes burglars, criminals and anyone looking for the right opportunity to break into your home.

While you may not know it, there may be multiple ways in which you are making yourself and your home a target for theft. Keep on reading to discover some of the most common home security mistakes and what you can do to remedy them.

Valuables In Sight

While you don’t have to keep big-ticket items such as expensive TVs or furniture completely out of plain sight all the time, it’s important to give some thought to the valuables you have laying around your home.

It may be wise not to keep designer items, jewellery and lavish luxuries in front of visible windows, where anyone can see them if they look at your home. You never know if a potential burglar is keeping an eye on your home.

Better yet, make sure to outfit your windows with curtains or blinds so that your home isn’t exposed to watchful eyes 24/7.

Hidden Keys

It may certainly be convenient to hide a spare key under your front door mat or somewhere similar. This could help in the event that you are locked out or you need a neighbour to come check up on your property. However, you want to be really careful about where you hide your keys. Don’t make it too obvious! Camouflage the area you are hiding your keys in so as to make it unsuspecting for a potential burglar. Or even better have a smart door lock installed so you can unlock your door remotely from your smartphone.

Packages Left Outside

Avoid leaving your packages outside for an extended amount of time. If possible, avoid having packages delivered to your home without a signature from you. Otherwise, keep your notifications handy and keep an eye on any packages coming your way so that you can retrieve them as soon as possible.

This is especially important during the winter holidays when express delivery and online shopping for gifts become the norm. Make no mistake – many burglars and thieves are also on the lookout at this time because they know there will be an influx of packages left unattended.

Always be one step ahead and never leave your packages and deliveries lying outside for hours. Consider having a smart doorbell camera installed so the you can be notified anytime a package is left at your door.

Social Media Posts

While it may be fun to update your friends and family on your holiday travels on social media, this can also become very dangerous: Social media can offer a window into your life and whereabouts that strangers wouldn’t normally have.

Make sure your posts are private and that strangers can’t easily look up your profiles online. This way, potential thieves won’t have access to your social media posts should they want to gain insight into your whereabouts over the holidays.

Absence of Security Cameras

Do not neglect to put up security cameras and home security systems around your house, even if you believe you don’t need them. These devices may just be your only protection should something go wrong.

Furthermore, security cameras and the presence of a well-monitored home can deter thieves from targeting your home altogether. If anything, put up surveillance cameras, alarms and security systems for your own peace of mind.

This way, you can keep an eye on your home even during the holidays and throughout your travels.

Insufficient Outdoor Lighting

Insufficient outdoor lighting can make your home a target for thieves. After all, they prefer to do their work under the cover of darkness, where they are less likely to be found out. Make sure you have outdoor lighting that is bright and welcoming.

Consider pot lights or any other outdoor lighting that will let others know you are at home and present. A dark street and a dark home often signal that no one is around to protect themselves or their belongings.

Mail Piling Up

Lastly, you will want to be mindful of having your mail pile up, especially if you plan on being away during the holidays. Thieves will surely see this as a sign of an empty house.

If possible, have someone check in on the house and the mailbox while you are gone. Have them collect your mail and keep it safe for the time being until you return and can retrieve it yourself.

Keeping your home security updated and relevant is vital to the safety of you and your family. This winter, make security a priority – especially if you are planning on taking some time away from home.

For more information on home security systems and burglar-proofing your home, please contact Canadian Security Professionals at 1-877-494-9911 or contact us here. We are your premier destination for all things security. Contact us today to help keep your home or business safe.

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