It sounds like the plot from the much-loved Christmas Movie Home Alone, but sadly the reality is burglars are really scoping out homes left empty over the festive period. In the iconic 1990 Christmas film, Macaulay Culkin plays Kevin McCallister, the resourceful eight-year-old boy who defends his Chicago home against a pair of burglars after his family accidentally leave him behind and go on holiday to France.
In the film, a pair of crooks named Harry and Marv spend their time looking for houses to burgle in a nice neighbourhood which have been left empty when families leave for the holiday period. Despite at first thinking Kevin’s house is empty, the pair of hapless crooks then attempt to rob the house with Kevin inside only to be foiled by the young boy’s ingenious ideas for defending his home, including electrified door knobs, painful crushed baubles, iced walkways, a propane torch and swinging irons and paint pots.
Eventually Hank and Marv are arrested by the police, but it’s worth remembering there are criminals out there in real life who may also be watching your home. And Matthew Lake, a home security expert from Guardian Safe And Vault, has highlighted how thieves might detect your absence over the festive season.
He told the Liverpool Echo some major tips on what to avoid to help keep a property safe from burglars this season.
Unchanging lighting patterns
Consistent lighting patterns are a dead giveaway. If lights are perpetually on or off, it suggests that no one is home to alter them. To counter this, use smart home technology or timers to create varied lighting schedules. This simulates an occupied home, making it less apparent that you’re away.
Overflowing post and parcels
A heap of post, leaflets, newspapers, or undelivered packages outside a house signals that the occupants might be away for a prolonged period. However, you can request a hold on mail and newspaper deliveries through your local Post Office during your absence.
For packages, either arrange deliveries when you are home or utilise secure package delivery services. Alternatively, you could ask a neighbour to kindly pick up these items on your behalf.
Neglected exterior
An uncut lawn or snow piled up on the driveway can be a dead giveaway that nobody is home. This becomes especially apparent when surrounding properties appear well-maintained.
The solution is simple: arrange for a friend to trim the grass or shovel any snow whilst you’re away. This keeps up the illusion that someone’s still living there.
Matthew warned: “While it’s disheartening, the reality is that some criminals exploit the festive season for personal gain. However, with the right precautions in place, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target and ensure the safety of your home and belongings.”