It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Unfortunately, the holiday season is also the prime time for thieves and burglars to strike because they know that many families are away on vacation.
Keep your holidays merry and bright. Read on for five ways to prevent theft this holiday season.
Unattended Packages Can Deliver Theft
Online shopping makes finishing your holiday gift list easier and faster than ever. But unattended packages left on your doorstep are easy targets for thieves. Be sure to make proper arrangements if you aren’t going to be home during the delivery window. Leave a note giving the delivery driver permission to leave parcels with a trusted neighbor who will be home. If that isn’t an option, most carriers will allow you to arrange delivery to a back or side door instead of your front doorstep.
Read more about mail fraud and how to prevent it here.
If you find yourself getting a lot of use out of your Amazon Prime Membership this holiday season, you may want to think about having your packages delivered to an official Amazon locker where they can stay safe until you pick them up at a time that is convenient for you.
Light it Up and Lock it Up
A completely darkened house can act as a magnet for thieves hoping to target vacationing families during the holidays, especially if your home goes dark for days at a time. Play it safe and keep your indoor and exterior lights on a timer set to go on and off at realistic intervals.
The locks on the windows and doors of your home are your first defense against unwanted intruders. Before exiting your home, be sure to check and lock all points of entry to prevent theft and deter potential burglars. It’s one small step that can make a huge difference in keeping your home safe this holiday season.
Disguise Gift Bags in Your Vehicle
If you’re the type of person who makes multiple trips to the local shopping mall for your gift giving needs, be sure to store your stash safely in your vehicle. Conceal shopping bags with sheets or towels to deter discerning thieves from making a move on your loot.
Don’t Forget Your Snail Mail and Newspapers
Nothing says unoccupied home like a mailbox full of uncollected mail and a growing pile of newspapers in the driveway. Before you go anywhere this holiday season, be sure to request the post office stop delivery of your mail for the duration of your holiday trip. As for the newspapers, ask a trusted neighbor to pick them up for you. Or, better yet, switch to a digital subscription so you can stay up to date while taking your vacation days.
Protect Yourself by Planning for the Worst
You can take a hundred different precautions this holiday season, but if the worst happens and you are a victim of theft, there is no substitute for a quality insurance policy. Before you start rocking around the Christmas tree, consider reaching out to one of the knowledgeable agents at Texan Insurance for a policy that will keep you covered even in the grinch-iest of holiday scenarios.
Insurance coverage doesn’t have to be complicated. Make Texan Insurance your partner for home insurance in Houston. Contact us today for more information.