The holidays are a time for joy, travel, and celebration—but for burglars, it's also prime season for targeting empty homes. Between Thanksgiving and New Year's, break-ins rise across the country as families head out of town.
Whether you're flying cross-country or just spending the night away, taking a few simple precautions can help protect your home, valuables, and peace of mind.
Here's how to secure your home before the holidays with practical, easy-to-implement security tips.
1. Double-Check All Doors and Windows
It sounds simple, but an unlocked door or window is one of the most common entry points for burglars. Before you leave, walk through your entire home—including the basement and garage—and make sure every window and door is locked securely.
If you have older locks, consider upgrading to reinforced strike plates or smart locks that send alerts when they're unlocked. A few extra minutes of preparation can deter break-ins before they start.
Quick Tip: Don't hide spare keys under doormats or flower pots. Leave them with a trusted neighbor or friend instead.
2. Set Smart Lighting Schedules
A dark house is an obvious sign that no one's home. Use smart light timers or connected smart bulbs to turn lights on and off automatically throughout the day.
You can even schedule them to mimic your normal routine—turning on the porch light at dusk or a living room lamp in the evening. The goal is to make it look like someone's home at all times.
Bonus: Smart plugs can also automate TVs or radios for added realism.
3. Pause Mail and Package Deliveries
Nothing signals an empty home like an overflowing mailbox or packages piled at the door. If you'll be away for more than a couple of days, request a temporary hold on your mail through USPS and pause or reroute deliveries from major carriers.
For added protection, ask a neighbor to collect flyers, newspapers, and packages while you're gone.
4. Inform a Trusted Neighbor or Friend
Let one or two neighbors know your travel plans and when you'll return. Provide them with your contact information in case something looks suspicious.
A trusted neighbor can keep an eye on your home, take in deliveries, and alert authorities if they notice unusual activity. If your neighborhood has a watch group or community app, let them know your house will be vacant.
Pro Tip: Ask your neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway—it's a subtle but effective deterrent.
5. Secure Valuables and Documents
Even with security systems in place, it's smart to minimize loss if a break-in does occur. Store important documents, jewelry, and small electronics in a fireproof safe or safety deposit box.
Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight near windows or glass doors where they can tempt opportunistic thieves.
6. Invest in a Home Security System
A monitored home security system is one of the most effective ways to prevent burglaries.
Homes without a security system are three times more likely to be broken into. With professional monitoring, you'll be alerted immediately if a door or window sensor is triggered—and emergency responders can be dispatched even if you're miles away.
Modern systems offer smart integrations like:
-
Remote access from your smartphone
-
Real-time video alerts
-
Motion detection around entry points
-
Automated lighting and locks
Whether you're home or away, a connected system gives you peace of mind that your property is protected 24/7.
Ackerman Security offers custom home security systems with 24/7 monitoring, smart device integration, and our exclusive No-Theft Guarantee—for true protection that doesn't take holidays off.
7. Don't Announce Travel Plans Online
We all love sharing vacation photos—but wait until you're home to post them. Public social media updates can inadvertently alert criminals that your house is empty.
Adjust your privacy settings and avoid tagging your location while away. Keep details of your trip limited to close friends and family.
Enjoy the Holidays Knowing You're Protected
The holidays should be about family, not worrying about what's happening back home. With these simple steps, you can travel confidently knowing your home is secure.
At Ackerman Security, we've been protecting Atlanta-area homeowners for over 50 years with advanced alarm systems, video surveillance, and professional monitoring. Our experts can inspect your home, identify vulnerabilities, and design a system that fits your lifestyle and budget.
Peace of mind is the best gift you can give your family. Call 800.552.1111 or request a free quote online today.
