The holiday season is a time of joy and celebration, but it can also be a vulnerable period for your home’s security. As families travel to visit loved ones, empty houses become tempting targets for burglars. Luckily, with some thoughtful preparation and smart strategies, you can protect your home and have peace of mind while you’re away.
This guide will walk you through some simple dos and don’ts from Los Angeles-based security expert Chris McGoey to help keep your home safe during the holidays.
Security Do: Light Up at Night
Lighting is one of the most effective ways to prevent a break-in. Use manual timers to turn indoor lights on and off in the evening to make it look like someone’s home. You can also use smart devices to control your lights remotely through your phone or tablet. The Belkin WeMo light switch is an excellent option.
Pro Tip: Dr. Paul Cromwell, a criminology professor at the University of South Florida Polytechnic, notes that “ninety-nine of 100 burglars will avoid a home if they think someone is inside.” To make yours look occupied, put the lights on a timer so that they switch on while you’re out. Even better, hook up the timer to your TV — action on the screen will throw shadows on your windows, creating the illusion of movement.
To enhance your lighting strategy:
- Install motion-activated exterior lights around entry points.
- Vary the timing of your indoor lights to mimic natural occupancy patterns.
- Use smart bulbs that can be controlled remotely and programmed to change colors.
Pro Tip: Robert McCrie, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, suggests installing good perimeter lighting tripped by a motion detector “so that as someone approaches the house at nighttime, the lights go on.” This simple, low-cost measure remains one of the most effective deterrents against nighttime break-ins.
Good lighting provides visibility and gives the impression of an occupied home. Supplementing this with other lighting devices that you can manage remotely while you’re away will significantly upgrade your home’s security.
Security Don’t: Advertise Your Absence
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is inadvertently broadcasting their absence. To avoid this, take the following precautions:
- Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper daily.
- Resist the urge to update your social media status with travel plans or current location.
- Use privacy settings on social media to limit who can see your posts.
- Schedule some social media posts in advance to maintain normal online activity.
Expert Insight: Los Angeles-based security expert Chris McGoey, with 40-plus years on the job, warns that an unattended garage can become “a hidden enclave from which a thief can take his time, and use your tools to get into your house.” Before leaving for the holidays, make sure garage doors are secured with a side deadlock in addition to your electronic opener.
Pro Tip: Even a simple yard sign or window decal from a security company can be a powerful deterrent. According to Dr. Cromwell, criminals “won’t go near a house that has an alarm”—and you don’t even need an active system. Pair a visible alarm sign with a timer on your lights, and your home will look both occupied and protected while you’re away.
Remember, burglars often use social media to identify empty homes. By keeping your travel plans private, you reduce the risk of becoming a target.
Security Do: Reinforce Your Home’s Door
Your front door is your first line of defense. Unfortunately, many doors have weak spots that burglars can exploit. To strengthen your front door:
- Upgrade to a heavy-duty strike plate.
- Secure the strike plate to the doorframe using four 3-inch screws.
- Install a deadbolt for extra security.
- Use a video doorbell to monitor activity at your entrance and send real-time alerts and footage to your phone.
Pro Tip: Security expert Dix, featured in TOH Magazine, advises: “Don’t bother spending a lot on high-security knob locks for your home, because most intruders aren’t going to pick your lock anyway. They’re going to kick in your door. Put your money in the dead bolt.” The dead bolt should extend into a steel-reinforced strike held in place with steel screws at least two inches long.
Security Don’t: Neglect Your Windows
While doors are a common entry point for burglars, windows can be just as vulnerable. In fact, 23% of break-ins happen through ground-floor windows. To secure these potential entry points, keep these tips in mind:
- Insert sash pins to secure double-hung windows.
- Arm windows with wireless alarms.
- Install window locks or key-operated levers.
- Use window security film to make glass harder to break.
Pro Tip: Robert McCrie, a professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, stresses that every window matters: “If just one window is open, a burglar will get in that way.” That includes windows in kitchens, bathrooms, and attics—areas homeowners often overlook when locking up before a trip.
These added layers of security can make it more difficult for intruders to get in. Window security films also offer additional protection against shattered glass during severe weather, providing another benefit.
On the This Old House Brookline project, security installer Don demonstrated how casement windows with a crank mechanism are inherently harder for intruders to pry open. But he warned that a determined burglar might simply break the glass and step through. The solution: pair the window lock with a wireless contact sensor tied to your alarm system. As security pro Jack explained during the same project, if somebody were to pry the window open, the alarm would trip and send the police—and because the contact is wireless, there’s no complex wiring involved.
Additional Home Security Measures
Beyond the basic dos and don’ts, here are a few more tips to enhance your home’s security during the holidays:
- Install a home security system with 24/7 monitoring.
- Use smart devices, like automated blinds or TV simulators, to make it look like someone is home.
- Trim bushes and trees near windows to eliminate hiding spots for burglars.
- Store your valuable items in a safe or off-site safe deposit box.
- Ask a neighbor to park their car in your driveway occasionally.
Pro Tip: When choosing a security system, consider going wireless. As TOH general contractor Scott Silva learned during a project alarm installation, older hardwired systems had a critical vulnerability. Installer Wes explained: “Typically, what would happen is the burglar would come through and cut the telephone lines, you would never be notified.” Modern wireless systems are self-enclosed with cellular radio and backup battery built in, eliminating that weak point.
Preparing Your Home for Extended Absence
If you’re planning to be away for an extended period, take these extra precautions:
- Arrange for someone to take care of your lawn or remove snow to keep up the lived-in appearance.
- Put indoor lights on variable timers for a more natural look.
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to check on your house regularly.
- Unplug non-essential appliances to prevent fires.
- Adjust the thermostat to save energy, but leave some heat on to avoid frozen pipes.
Maintaining a “lived-in” look while you’re away is key. Regular check-ins from a neighbor or friend can help catch any issues early and give you peace of mind.
