Many homeowners look forward to winter for the snow, the holidays, and a little extra time off work. Even if you prefer warm weather, the colder months often bring travel opportunities to sunnier places.
Burglars, however, see winter differently. Empty homes, dark evenings, and package deliveries make it the perfect season for break-ins. The good news is you can take steps to protect your home. With smart planning and a few upgrades, you can keep your home and family safe.
Why do winter burglaries happen?
Research shows that slightly more burglaries occur in the summer, but winter is still a vulnerable time. Over a million U.S. homes are broken into each year, and winter creates new opportunities for thieves. Some of the top reasons include:
- Holiday travel means empty homes. Many people leave their homes vacant while visiting family or going on vacation.
- Fewer daylight hours. Longer nights give burglars more cover.
- Unattended cars. Warming up your car in the driveway can invite theft.
- Package deliveries. Porch pirates strike more often when holiday deliveries pile up.
At the end of the day, burglaries are crimes of opportunity. Reducing those opportunities is the key to prevention.
11 tips to protect your home this winter
Cold weather, holiday travel, and darker days can all make homes easier targets for burglars. The following tips give you practical ways to keep your home secure this winter.
1) Make your home look occupied
Ask a neighbor to collect mail, or hire someone to shovel snow from your driveway if you’re away. Avoid posting vacation updates on social media until you return. Setting timers on indoor lights or keeping a car parked in the driveway can also help create the illusion that someone is home.
2) Use security signage
Place visible security signs and window stickers. Even without a full system, they can deter burglars. Thieves often look for the easiest target, and signage alone can be enough to make them move on to another house.
3) Automate your lights
Smart lighting can mimic natural patterns and make it look like someone is home. You can schedule lights to turn on at different times in various rooms, making it harder for burglars to spot a pattern.
4) Skip the spare key
Hide-a-keys are predictable. Use a smart lock instead for safer, keyless entry. These locks let you create unique access codes for family members or guests, so you never have to worry about lost keys or common hiding spots.
5) Reinforce doors and frames
Install a strong deadbolt and reinforce the strike plate with long screws. Adding a metal reinforcement plate to the door frame makes it much harder for someone to kick in the door, which is one of the most common methods of forced entry.
6) Light your exterior
Use motion-sensor lights around entry points to make burglars think twice. A well-lit yard removes hiding spots, and sudden light activation often scares off intruders who don’t want to be seen.
7) Lock windows and doors
Surprisingly, many burglars just walk in through unlocked doors. Keep everything secured. Adding simple window locks or installing window sensors can provide another layer of protection and peace of mind.
8) Secure sliding doors
Add a metal bar or dowel to the track, or upgrade to a stronger lock. Sliding doors are easy to lift off their tracks, so consider adding a secondary lock or pin that keeps the door firmly in place.
9) Add cameras inside and out
Security cameras deter intruders and provide evidence if needed. Choose cameras with night vision and mobile alerts so you can check in on your home from anywhere, day or night.
10) Install a doorbell camera
See who’s at your door and get alerts when motion is detected. Doorbell cameras also record activity, which can help you spot package thieves or keep a video record for police if a break-in occurs.
11) Invest in a home security system
A complete system with monitoring gives you peace of mind and a quick response if alarms are triggered. Many modern systems integrate with smart devices, allowing you to control locks, lights, and cameras from your phone.
Vivint
Vivint Smart Home Alarm Systems provides a sophisticated security solution professionally installed for optimal home protection. These systems are known for their smart security capabilities, offering high-quality products that integrate seamlessly for comprehensive coverage. The system includes 24/7 professional monitoring, ensuring constant vigilance, and advanced automation options that allow you to control various aspects of your home remotely.
Vivint’s smart home features include locks, motion detectors, cameras, and more to get connected into one digital network with centralized control, mobile access, and built-in artificial intelligence that adjusts to user routines. Using the Vivint app, you can keep track of your home from anywhere, allowing you to:
- Monitor activity in and around your home.
- Arm your security system.
- Adjust temperature.
- Converse with the person at your front door.
- Know who’s coming and going.
- Receive text alerts regarding activity.
- Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with 24/7 monitoring and support.
The wireless equipment, such as sensors and cameras, works in unison to prevent unauthorized entry and capture clear, quality footage. Customers appreciate the accurate sensor response and the convenience of customizing settings via the mobile app. Overall, Vivint’s alarm systems are my top choice for those seeking reliable and advanced home security solutions.
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Related Links:
- Best Home Security Systems
- 10 must-know tips before buying a security camera
- 10 proven ways to protect your packages from holiday thieves
Kurt’s key takeaways
Winter is a season to relax, travel, and spend time with loved ones. With a few smart precautions, you can keep burglars from interrupting that peace. From smart locks to motion-sensor lights, these steps help protect your home and your family no matter where you spend the holidays.
What’s one home security upgrade you’ll make before winter sets in? Let us know in the comments below.
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