Situational Awareness Matters During the Holidays: Protecting Your Home and Family from Theft

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:

  1. 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.
  2. Frequent Travel: Many families travel to visit loved ones, leaving their homes unoccupied and vulnerable.
  3. Distractions: The hustle of holiday shopping, decorating, and parties often leads to lapses in security practices.
  4. 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:

  1. White: Unaware and unprepared. Example: Distracted by holiday shopping lists, not noticing someone watching your car in a parking lot.

  2. Yellow: Relaxed but alert. Example: Noticing a suspicious person lingering near your neighbor’s house without panicking.
  3. Orange: Specific awareness. Example: Spotting someone following you in a store and preparing to take action.

  4. 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

    • 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.
    • 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.

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Jim Tapscott

Instructor

Jim served as a Sheriff’s Deputy in Illinois for 30 years. During his time as a Deputy, Jim served on the SWAT team as an operator, team leader and Commander. Jim was involved in several barricaded gunman/hostage incidents as well as service of high risk arrest and search warrants.

Jim was a member of the US Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force where he performed surveillance and fugitive apprehension. His team was responsible for thousands of high risk felony fugitive arrests. Jim also served in the patrol division where he earned the rank of Sergeant and was responsible for patrol operations. Jim received numerous awards throughout his career to include Deputy of the Year, medal of valor and unit citation for SWAT operations.

Jim was a state certified CQB (Close Quarter Battle) SWAT instructor as well as an Active Shooter Response instructor, providing training for multiple law enforcement agencies throughout the state of Illinois.

Jimmy Pregel

Medical Instructor

I’m a proven leader with a diverse background in defense, law enforcement, and emergency response. My career began as a Scout Sniper in the U.S. Marine Corps, where I earned the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. I then served as a security contractor in Afghanistan and Iraq, further developing my tactical and crisis management skills.

Domestically, I served as a Deputy for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office, earning a Medal of Valor, and as a firefighter, where I was awarded a Life Saving Ribbon. These roles reflect my commitment to safety and service, demonstrating leadership under pressure and a passion for protecting others.

As part of the Proactive Response Group Team, I design and deliver comprehensive medical training, developing lesson plans and conducting hands-on sessions. I ensure that participants are equipped with essential medical skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and readiness. My role is vital in preparing our team to handle medical emergencies confidently and competently.

Chris Taylor

Instructor

Chris is a retired Major from the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office in South Carolina. Chris was third in command over operations, overseeing more than 300 sworn Deputies as well as all special teams within the Sheriff’s Office. In 2012, Chris helped to organize a Dignitary Protection Team within the Sheriff’s Office that assisted the Secret Service with Presidential and Vice Presidential visits throughout the state. In addition to his normal duties, Chris performs private security for dignitaries, celebrities, as well as 12 years with the Miss America Organization. Chris has been instructing Active shooter Response with ProActive Response Group since 2021.

In his down time, Chris enjoys time with his wife and daughter, as well as watching sports and fishing.

Tyrie Fowler

Instructor

Tyrie Fowler is an Active Shooter Response instructor at Proactive Response Group and an Emergency Medicine Trauma Nurse at Prisma Health in Greenville. A Greenville native, Tyrie earned his Exercise Science degree from the University of South Carolina and his nursing degree from Mary Black School of Nursing. He joined Greenville Health System in 2015, transitioning from Orthopedic Trauma to Emergency Medicine. At Prisma Health, a Level One Trauma Center, he is part of the Trauma Nurse Leader team, with training in Advanced Trauma Care (ATCN) and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (TECC). Tyrie is pursuing certifications in Emergency Nursing (CEN) and Trauma Certified Registered Nurse (TCRN).

Tyrie enjoys Fall for its long runs, college football (Go Gamecocks!), and hunting, including deer and quail. He also loves smoking recipes with a creative twist. As a medical instructor, Tyrie empowers bystanders to provide critical assistance in emergencies, teaching them to control bleeding and manage injuries, ensuring they leave his class confident in making a difference.

Steven Anderson

Instructor

Steven J. Anderson is currently an Active Shooter Response Instructor for ProActive Response Group; he enjoys empowering people to survive in life threatening situations. Steve grew up in central Minnesota and spent three years with the United States Army. He graduated from St. Cloud State University with a degree in Criminal Justice. Steve worked as a federal agent for the United States Border Patrol where he was a member of the U.S. Border Patrol Tactical Unit (BORTAC): completing multiple assignments in Central & South America, an assignment with the United Nations and the Deputy Director (A) of the National Air Security Operation Center. In 2020 he retired from working in Federal Law Enforcement.

In his spare time he enjoys the outdoors especially bow hunting. Steve is a proud husband and father to 3 wonderful daughters.

Rob Christian

Instructor, Sales

Rob is originally from Louisville, CO. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps in 2003 and served as a Combat Engineer Officer until 2012. Rob deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in 2009 and 2010 where he planned and implemented force protection strategy, counter improvised explosive device operations, and mobility operations for Third Battalion Sixth Marine Regiment and Third Battalion Seventh Marine Regiment . Upon his departure from the military, Rob began to teach firearms and tactics with Arizona based Alpine Arms while simultaneously running his own small residential security consulting firm. Rob relocated the South Carolina in 2021 and joined ProActive Response Group in early 2023.

When not working Rob spends time with his wife Lindsey and son Theo. He enjoys stand up paddle boarding, visiting the rifle range, four wheeling, and camping.

Situational Awareness Matters During the Holidays: Protecting Your Home and Family from Theft

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Founder

Chad Ayers

Chad Ayers served as Sheriff’s Deputy for Greenville County in South Carolina for 12 years. He has worked undercover in multiple state and federal investigations and in high-pressure environments, including active shooter events and hostage negotiations. Chad was a member of the SWAT team, where he served as assistant team leader and also assisted in the creation and implementation of the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office active shooter response program. Chad starred in season one of A&E TV’s Emmy-winning documentary LIVEPD and is a frequent guest commentator for FOX News, Law & Crime Network, and On Patrol Live.

Founder

Andy Sexton

Andy Sexton spent 12 years with the Greenville County Sheriff’s office in South Carolina, where he held the rank of Uniform Patrol Sergeant. His experience includes serving as an assistant SWAT team leader, involvement in high-risk incidents, including hostage rescues and the protection of dignitaries, working in criminal investigations (including armed robbery and homicide), and serving on the training committee for the Greenville County Sheriff’s Office.

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