Those gifts under the tree are all for specific people, right? You didn’t buy them for a random stranger, right? Well, make sure random strangers don’t take them and secure your home this Christmas!
Even if you think you’ve got home security covered, there might be some crucial blind-spots. That’s according to some helpful ex-burglars and victims writing in a Reddit thread asking for home security tips. Here are some of their suggestions…
Play Pretend
One user recommends installing automated lights around the house to make like you’re in, when you’re out. This might not be great for the environment, but could save on the CO2 you’ll emit when you yell angrily about being burgled.
Be Spooky
Another user suggests gluing a key in an obvious spot like under the doormat. The unsuspecting burglar will try and fail to pick the key up, get spooked and leave. Genius!
Throw Down Some Decoys
Another suggestion is to buy some ostentatious fake jewellery, put it in a nice-looking box and leave a small amount of cash on top. If someone breaks in, they will take that and run, leaving the rest of the house unexplored. Well, that’s the theory, anyway…
Don’t Help The Burglar
Your shed probably has some axes, forks and spades in it. These are notoriously quite good at breaking things; windows included. Lock your shed to stop burglars letting themselves in using your own property…
Reassurance Via Insurance
A big takeaway that one user flags is that if someone wants to break in, they probably will. Windows can be easily broken while no one is watching, and a burglar might get in and out before police turn up anyway. Given this, they suggest insuring your valuable items. You might not be able to stop someone taking something, but you can recover some of its value if it’s insured.
A View From The Other Side
Among the ex-burglars and victims commenting on the Reddit thread is someone claiming to work for the police. They suggest simulating breaking into your own home. This way you can find weak spots yourself, before the burglar does.
Hating the idea of robbers one-upping you? Why not get some catharsis by reading about two budding burglars who broke into a bank-themed escape room – it seems they slightly missed the premise…
Happy holidays folks, and don’t forget to lock your doors and windows; if only because it’s chilly outside!
