Top tips for keeping your home safe over the holidays

During the festive period, it’s important to remain vigilant as burglars target homes around the country.

Poor home security and cars filled with gifts can be easy pickings for opportunistic thieves over holidays such as Diwali and Christmas.

That’s why we've have pulled together some top tips to help keep your home and possessions safe, while making sure you have a good time!

Staying safe

The first thing to do is to double-check windows and doors are closed and securely locked. If you have an alarm, make sure you set it.

Keep your curtains closed when the lights are on inside, as dark nights make it easier for burglars to work out when a house is unoccupied.

Always try and keep valuables hidden from view too. Presents under the tree can look beautiful, but they can also attract unwanted attention.

If you’re heading out shopping in your car, be sure to leave gifts out of sight and locked in the boot.

Be careful what you share on social media too. As tempting as it can be to post about gifts, think carefully about who can see your posts and make sure you check your privacy settings to manage this.

Discreetly remove and recycle large cardboard packaging, as this can give burglars an idea of what’s inside your house.

Whilst shopping, remain vigilant and keep your belongings close by. Busy crowds can be an easy target for pick pockets.

Staying covered

We recommend getting your home insurance documents out and checking the policy. If you need to make a claim, you'll be glad you did!

To start, remember to see if you get more cover around religious holidays.

Next, take a look at what your policy states for high risk items and valuables in your home. Along with gifts and presents, they are typically covered for certain events and values.

Higher risk items and valuables may need to be specified on your policy, should you need increased levels of cover for an expensive piece of jewellery or a gadget.

It’s also a good idea to check if gadgets like mobile phones and laptops are protected outside of your home, as these are not necessarily covered on a standard home insurance policy.

Lastly, find out if your policy includes accidental damages. This covers you for any breakages to new laptops or spillages to soft furnishings.