5 Red Flags That Say ‘No One’s Home’ to Burglars This Christmas

The holiday season is approaching, and whether you are heading to a camp, visiting family and friends in a different part of the country, or flying overseas for a getaway, the last thing you want to worry about is the safety of your home.

Burglars are often on the lookout for signs that a house is unoccupied, and the holidays often make it even easier for them to identify their target. It is, therefore, important that you are not unintentionally giving intruders clues that no one is at home.

Here are five tell-tale signs that burglars watch for, and tips on how to avoid them:

1. Uncollected Mail

An overflowing mailbox means the owners are away and this is often one of the first things burglars notice. To avoid this, ask a trusted neighbour or friend to collect your mail while you are gone or ensure you have a big enough letterbox to hold the anticipated amount of mail.

2. Uncut Lawn or Overgrown Plants

Overgrown plants, weeds, or an unkept lawn suggest that no one is around to take care of the property. If you are planning to be away for an extended period, consider arranging to have your yard swept and lawn raked. Also, trim hedges before you go to prevent burglars going on to your property unnoticed.

3. No Vehicle in the Driveway

A sudden absence of vehicles parked in your driveway can signal that the house is vacant, especially if your vehicles are typically visible. If you normally park in the driveway, it is a good idea to ask a neighbour to park in your driveway while you are away.

4. Lights off at Night / Outside Lights on during the Day

A house that is completely dark at night is an invitation for burglars. 

On the flipside, while you may think leaving outdoor lights on at all times will enhance security, it can actually have the opposite effect. An outside light on in broad daylight can signal that no one is home to turn it off. Instead, invest in dusk-to-dawn lights for outdoor lighting.

5. Social Media Posts

Avoid announcing your absence on social media until you return home. Sharing your vacation plans or posting about your travels can inadvertently alert burglars that your home is empty. Burglars can easily gather information from your posts to identify when you are away.

By taking these simple precautions, you can reduce the risk of burglars targeting your home. You worked hard to purchase your home and belongings, so make every effort to secure them. You may consider an additional layer of protection by insuring your home and contents with JN General Insurance (JNGI).

The management and staff at JNGI wish you a safe and joyous holiday season!