Every year, the holiday season brings families and friends together to celebrate with joyful holiday cheer but, unfortunately, it also brings increased crime rates. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey (NCVS), theft-related crimes increase by roughly 20% every December with some states, like Florida, reporting a 50% increase. With numbers like these, what can you do to protect your home and business from forced entry and gun violence? SafeWood Designs has compiled a list of best practices to implement at home to deter unwanted visitors this holiday season.
- Ensure every access point is secure. Make sure all doors and windows are locked, including your vehicles.
- Utilize an alarm system in your home for 24-hour monitoring with an outdoor sign to notify the public of alarm usage.
- If you plan to head out of town, arrange to have your driveway shoveled in the event of snowfall, collect your mail, and turn your lights on and off at different times to make your home appear lived in. If arrangements cannot be made, place lights, radio, or television on timers so your home appears occupied.
- Be discreet about vacations, especially on social media.
- Avoid placing presents within easy view from the outside like near a window.
- Use exterior lighting and motion detection lights near entry points.
- Remove or reduce visual obstructions near entrances that may offer concealment to criminals such as large bushes.
- Be cautious about uninvited visitors. Ask to see credentials.
- Bullet-Resistant and Forced-Entry-Resistant Reinforced Thresholds: For more advanced protection, SafeWood Designs can help reinforce your key thresholds with bullet-resistant and forced-entry-resistant products. Doors, windows, shields, or safe rooms, SafeWood Designs can help enhance your safety and security.
Let’s keep the season merry and bright this year by ensuring our families and businesses stay secure. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!