It’s that time of year again! The time where we can finally spend a few days with our families, singing songs and overeating turkey. But this also means December is almost upon us, which brings the dreaded Christmas period. And for many, this means spending hours outdoors fending off rabid carolers or throwing snowballs at your neighbors.
However, there is another reason why December is deemed the most dangerous month of the year (besides the increased chance of drunken snowman rampages). The holiday season is also when many criminals find their victims at their most vulnerable. People are preoccupied with presents and dinner that they don’t notice burglars breaking into their homes or shady individuals lurking in the streets.
While you wait for Santa Claus to slip down your chimney, it might be tempting to leave your doors unlocked, windows open, and lie down on the sofa with spiked eggnog. But, if you don’t want to be on Santa’s bad list this year or have your presents stolen by a street urchin, there are a few things to remember.
1 – Watch your step:
Even if you’ve been extra good this year, there is no guarantee that you won’t find yourself face-to-face with Santa’s evil twin (or younger brother). Now while we all know it isn’t Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer in the red suit, it is still very possible for some lunatic to crash through your door dressed as St. Nick.
And any good parent will know that the best way to get kids interested in anything is by turning it into a game. So naturally, criminals are more likely to break into homes during the holiday season if they have a game to play. Parents are no longer just looking out for strangers and Santa impersonators who might be after their naughty list.
So, this year, go back to basics and make sure your doors are closed at all times, even when you’re at home. If someone claims to be the tooth fairy or Santa Claus and arrives at your house, demand valid identification. If they can’t provide it – call the police right away, even if you are only met with an empty candy cane basket on your doorstep.
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2 – Stay indoors:
Now, this might seem like a no-brainer, but there are multiple reports of people getting into trouble while out on Christmas Eve every year. Whether they’re running around the streets trying to catch Santa Clause or standing outside their home with a sign saying free hugs, you can be sure that it’s best to stay indoors and drink some hot chocolate by the fire instead.
3 – Be extra careful:
Between family dramas and potential serial killers, it is essential to be vigilant this time of year. Some families might go out to visit friends, neighbors, or relatives, but you must be aware of your surroundings at all times. Make sure that when they are visiting someone, you are still in the same house – not the guest house when everyone else is sleeping. If you want your home safe for Christmas contact Stronghold Locksmith Teneriffe.
4 – Be wary of strangers:
Even if you are the trusting type, it is best to avoid anyone offering free candy canes or presents. Behind that disguise, you never know who’s hiding. Be careful of anybody who asks for personal information like your address, especially on social media sites like Facebook, where some individuals can’t seem to quit sharing photographs of their front doors.
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5 – Beware of loud noises:
Nothing screams Merry Christmas like the sound of breaking glass. While it might seem unlikely for someone to break into your house by throwing a brick through your window, it is still best to keep an eye open for any suspicious activity. If you hear loud noises or something that sounds suspiciously like glass shattering, investigate immediately but do not engage the potential threat. Call the police immediately and be mindful that this might not be a one-time thing in your area, so you should take steps to improve your home security.
Conclusion:
Christmas is a time for family, drinking eggnog and stealing toys from children’s ornaments. It should be easy sailing on the sleigh ride to another prosperous year as long as you keep your doors secured, remain indoors, and don’t fall for any scams. Merry Christmas!