The holiday season, a time of joy and celebration, often comes with an unexpected downside: a significant increase in theft. Burglars and thieves take advantage of bustling schedules, distracted individuals, and homes filled with valuable gifts. By understanding the risks and staying situationally aware, you can better protect your home, car, and belongings during this festive season.
But why does theft spike this time of year? There are a few reasons to consider:
- Increased Goods and Packages: Homes and cars often contain more valuable items during the holidays, from wrapped presents to electronics. Packages delivered to doorsteps also become an easy target for opportunistic thieves.
- Frequent Travel: Many families travel to visit loved ones, leaving their homes unoccupied and vulnerable.
- Distractions: The hustle of holiday shopping, decorating, and parties often leads to lapses in security practices.
- Social Media Oversharing: Announcing travel plans online inadvertently informs potential burglars about your absence.
The Importance of Situational Awareness
Situational awareness is the ability to identify, process, and comprehend information about your surroundings, particularly as it relates to potential threats. This mindset can help you anticipate and avoid risks, making it a valuable skill during the holidays.
If you haven’t heard of Cooper’s Color Code for situational awareness, here’s a brief breakdown. Created by Colonel Jeff Cooper, it’s a way to understand how we process danger, and by understanding this, we can create a method to train ourselves to be more aware.
The Color Code doesn’t have anything to do with tactical situations, but rather a state of mind. There are four levels:
- White: Unaware and unprepared. Example: Distracted by holiday shopping lists, not noticing someone watching your car in a parking lot.
- Yellow: Relaxed but alert. Example: Noticing a suspicious person lingering near your neighbor’s house without panicking.
- Orange: Specific awareness. Example: Spotting someone following you in a store and preparing to take action.
- Red: Focused and ready to act. Example: Confronting an immediate threat or calling for help.
Strive to stay in the Yellow zone during the holidays to maintain awareness without undue stress.
So, What Are Some Practical Ways to Avoid Theft This Holiday Season?
Here is our list of tips to help prevent burglaries and theft this holiday season:
Practical Tips to Prevent Theft
1. Protect Packages and Deliveries
- Use Delivery Lockers: Services like Amazon Hub or secure drop boxes ensure packages aren’t left exposed.
- Schedule Deliveries: Arrange for items to be delivered when you’re home.
- Request Signature Delivery: This ensures packages aren’t left unattended.
2. Don’t Advertise Your Absence
- Avoid posting travel plans or location updates on social media until after your return.
- Additionally, avoid geo-tagging any social posts by turning off location services when posting.
- Be selective with who you share your travel plans with. Try to keep it to close friends or family.
- Wait to post about your trip or expensive gifts until after you’ve returned home.
- Set your social media accounts to private to limit access to your personal information.
- Inform a trusted neighbor or friend about your absence and ask them to collect mail or check on your home.
3. Secure Your Home
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- Install Security Systems: Cameras, motion detectors, and alarms can deter burglars. There are also smart doorbells that include cameras that you can install at your front door to help determine if that ringing bell is just a package delivery or someone unexpected.
- Install Smart Locks: These are great for remote access if you plan on going away to visit family, as they can be locked or unlocked remotely via your smartphone.
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- Use Timers for Lights: If you’re traveling this season, a great way to simulate occupancy is by programming lights and electronics to turn on and off at random intervals.
- Reinforce Entry Points: Secure windows and doors with deadbolts, bars, or security films. If you have a sliding glass door, make sure it’s secure by measuring a length of wood or metal to place in the track.
- Maintain the Exterior of Your Home: A well-kept yard and exterior of your home will help deter burglars, as it’s a sign that the home is occupied. Trim bushes or trees that may provide hiding spots for thieves.
4. Stay Alert While Shopping
- Keep valuables and gifts out of sight in your car.
- Avoid leaving shopping bags unattended, even for a moment.
- Stay aware of your surroundings in parking lots, especially at night.
5. Engage with Your Community
- Join or start a neighborhood watch program to share information and look out for suspicious activities.
- Encourage neighbors to report any unusual behavior immediately.
The holidays should be a time for celebration, not anxiety over theft. By understanding the risks and remaining situationally aware, securing your property, and using technology, you can enjoy peace of mind and focus on creating memories with loved ones. Remember to stay vigilant, share these tips with your community, and take proactive measures to protect yourself and your belongings this holiday season.