It’s not long to go until the festive period and here at ARM Locksmiths based in Hailsham and helping the communities in Heathfield, Eastbourne and Polegate in East Sussex, we want your home to be as secure as possible. We don’t want it to be a happy and prosperous time for burglars

Here are a few of our tips for keeping your home as secure as possible during the holiday time. Burglars know that a lot of homes can be left empty as it’s a time when you could be shopping, visiting family and attending parties – a time when your house is perfect for the opportunist thief.

Don’t Have Presents on Display

Christmas is a time for giving presents, some of which could be gadgets and expensive gifts. If you have children, you will probably have presents hidden but if not, don’t have them displayed under the tree in one place. How easy would it be for an intruder to gather all the gifts quickly? Stow presents in cupboards or under beds so that they are not on display.

Make Your House Look As Though It Is Occupied

If you are going away over the Christmas period, try to make it look as though your house is not empty. Have lights on timers or ask a neighbour to come in and switch them on. Talking of neighbours, ask them to keep an eye on your property and perhaps park one of their cars or a guests in your driveway.

Don’t Leave Notes That You “Are Not In”

You will probably be having more deliveries than usual. Don’t be tempted to leave notes saying, “Not in – please leave parcel in the shed.” It’s a much better idea to get in touch with the parcel delivery company and get them to leave your parcel with a neighbour or place of your choosing.

Don’t Leave Telltale Signs

If your mail is visible from the outside, ask a neighbour to come in and put it out of sight. Think about security lights that are motion sensitive. Don’t leave outside lights on all the time particularly during daytime.

No Electric Cords Through Windows

Your house can look so attractive with lights outside but don’t run the cable from inside the house through a window. An open window is a wonderful prospect for an opportunist burglar. Use an outside power source or if that’s not possible, it’s no outside lights!

Police Advice

Your home must look as though it’s occupied and we hope that you have found our tips useful. Most police forces will say that many thieves are opportunists so don’t leave doors unlocked or windows open or your house in complete darkness.