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Christmas is a time for joy, family, and celebration, but it’s also a season that can attract unwanted attention from opportunistic criminals. At UKSN, we prioritise safety, self-sufficiency, and community—values that shine especially bright during the festive season. While you’re decking the halls and filling stockings, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and ensure your home and belongings are protected. Here are some practical and family-friendly tips to help keep your home secure this Christmas.
Don’t Advertise Your Gifts: Box It Up Wisely
Unwrapping presents on Christmas morning is magical, but the excitement can quickly turn into a risk if you leave packaging in plain sight. Discarding boxes for high-value items like laptops, gaming consoles, or smart devices outside your home is akin to handing burglars a shopping list.
What You Should Do:
Break Down Boxes: Before recycling, flatten and cut down boxes to make them less identifiable. Bundle them tightly together so they’re less obvious to passers-by.
Discreet Disposal: Place packaging in opaque rubbish bags or inside your recycling bin with the lid securely closed. Avoid leaving them on the kerb where they can be easily seen.
Take Action Now: If you’ve already left boxes outside, bring them in immediately! Better safe than sorry.
Bright Ideas For Home Security
Heading out for festive gatherings or New Year’s celebrations? An empty home can be a tempting target for thieves. Simple measures, such as ensuring your home appears occupied, can significantly reduce your risk.
Simple Yet Effective Tips:
Use Timer Switches: Invest in inexpensive timer plugs to turn lights on and off at intervals, creating the illusion of someone being home.
Smart Lighting: If you have smart home devices, set up routines to control lights remotely or at randomised times for added authenticity.
Outdoor Lighting: Ensure exterior lights, especially motion-sensor ones, are working properly. A well-lit property deters potential intruders.
Secure Your Home Before You Leave
A relaxed festive atmosphere can lead to overlooking basic security measures. Whether you’re visiting family, attending a Christmas market, or ringing in the New Year, take time to lock up properly.
Checklist for Going Out:
Lock Doors and Windows: Double-check all entry points, including upstairs windows.
Secure the Garden: Lock gates, sheds, and garages, and remove tools or ladders that could assist a break-in.
Hide Valuables: Keep presents, electronics, and keys out of sight from windows.
Install Alarms: If you have an alarm system, make sure it’s activated. If not, consider installing a basic one before the holidays.
Neighbourhood Watch: Inform trusted neighbours of your plans and ask them to keep an eye on your property.
Keep Your Plans Private
Sharing festive updates on social media is tempting, but broadcasting your whereabouts can inadvertently alert burglars to an empty house.
Tips to Stay Low-Key:
Delay Posting: Share photos and updates after you’ve returned home.
Check Privacy Settings: Ensure your social media accounts are private and only accessible to people you trust.
Avoid Location Tags: Don’t geotag your posts or check in at locations until after your visit.
Be Vigilant with Deliveries
The rise of online shopping during the festive period means more packages being delivered to homes. Unfortunately, unattended parcels can attract thieves.
How to Secure Your Deliveries:
Use Delivery Lockers: Many retailers offer the option to collect packages from lockers or designated points.
Neighbourly Help: Arrange for a trusted neighbour to receive parcels on your behalf if you won’t be home.
Safe Places: Specify a secure and hidden location for deliveries to be left.
Avoid Package Piling: Bring parcels indoors as soon as possible to prevent them becoming easy targets.
Protect Your Christmas Spirit Outdoors
Outdoor decorations add festive cheer but can also be a target for theft or vandalism. Safeguard your hard work with a few precautionary measures.
Securing Your Decorations:
Anchor Larger Items: Securely fix inflatable decorations or large ornaments to the ground using stakes or weights.
Use Cable Locks: Thread cable locks through lights or decorations to prevent them being easily removed.
Smart Plugs: Set outdoor lights to timers so they’re not on all night, signalling inactivity.
Motion Sensors: Use motion-activated cameras or lights near your decorations to deter tampering.
Build a Community of Security
At UKSN, we believe in the strength of community. Engaging with your local neighbourhood and being part of a mutual assistance group like one of our Charters can significantly improve overall safety.
Get Involved:
Local Neighbourhood Watch: Join or start a neighbourhood watch programme to enhance vigilance.
Community Communication: Use local WhatsApp or Facebook groups to share alerts about suspicious activity.
UKSN Charters: For our members, participating in a UKSN Charter means having a trusted network of people who can offer support and advice on matters like security.
Plan for Emergencies
Being prepared for unforeseen situations is key to enjoying a stress-free holiday season. While the goal is to prevent incidents, having a plan in place is just as important.
What to Consider:
Emergency Contacts: Keep a list of emergency numbers, including your local police non-emergency line.
Home Inventory: Maintain an up-to-date inventory of your valuables, including receipts and serial numbers, in case you need to report a theft.
Insurance Check: Ensure your home insurance policy covers seasonal risks, including theft of outdoor decorations or additional contents.
Self-Sufficiency: Stock up on essentials, such as torches and batteries, to handle power cuts or other minor emergencies during the winter.
End the Year Securely
As the New Year approaches, it’s a great time to reassess your home security and preparedness.
The quieter period after Christmas offers an opportunity to:
Review and Upgrade Locks: Check for any weak points in your home security.
Test Alarms and Cameras: Ensure all systems are functioning correctly.
Declutter: Remove unnecessary items from gardens and outdoor spaces that could provide cover for potential intruders.
Plan Next Year’s Safety Goals: Consider joining UKSN or attending one of our events to build your skills in bushcraft, prepping, and self-sufficiency.
A Final Word from UKSN
Christmas is a time to cherish family, friends, and the warmth of the season. By taking simple, proactive measures, you can ensure that your festivities remain joyful and worry-free.
At UKSN, we’re committed to helping you and your community stay safe, prepared, and self-reliant—not just at Christmas, but all year round.
From everyone at UKSN, we wish you a secure, happy, and prosperous Christmas and New Year!
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