Protect Your Presents: Don't Giftwrap for Burglars!

The amount of burglaries taking place is on the rise and it’s really important to be extra vigilant at this time of year.

Christmas is a notorious time for crime, with long nights and lots of deliveries and presents in homes. Indeed, police forces across the country are warning people to protect their belongings and properties.

Former convicts have shared what the key signs are that draw a burglar to a home, and have provided some expert advice to protect your home this Christmas:

Repeat Business

After visiting a house previously, burglars state that it is likely they will strike there again. Burglars come back to the same houses quite often - and they do this because of a number of motives.

It’s guaranteed that the people they had previously robbed have replaced the items they stole the first time, and often these replacements are of better quality than the original.

Thieves know the layout of a house they have previously burgled so will use this knowledge to their advantage, and in the lead up to Christmas, this can lead them to escape with lots of valuables in a streamlined and clinical robbery.

For anyone that has been a victim, you should make sure that there is added security in place - such as CCTV and burglar alarms.

Plans on social media

Ex-burglars have admitted that they used Facebook to see when people are away.

When you are on holiday at Christmas or visiting family, you really shouldn't advertise that your house is unoccupied.

Instead, post pictures with your loved ones once you have returned - or else a burglar will have optimum time to plan their theft. This includes geotagging on stories, as a thief can work out how far away you are from home.

Help from a neighbour

With lots of deliveries in the run up to the big day, a former burglar has described how boxes outside a house encourage them.

Whether at work or doing further Christmas shopping, parcels on a doorstep are a clear sign of a vacant property.

The majority of couriers offer the option to choose a safe space, such as in a bin or with a neighbour.

You should try to avoid getting a delivery person to leave a box outside, or else you advertise that nobody is home.

Valuables in site

Christmas means houses full of presents - and burglars have stated that they know people love to show off their decorations and trees.

This can include having gifts that can easily be spotted through a window.

It doesn’t matter if a present is wrapped, it is easy access to new and often valuable items.

Even if it is just boxes of chocolate and candles, a burglar will likely take their chance as they know they can lift tens of gifts and be gone in seconds.

It's recommended that you keep gifts out of site until Christmas Day, or instead placing trees further away from windows.

So, keep the surprise alive and ensure that your gifts reach their desired destination!