If Home Alone has taught us nothing else – and I think we can all agree that it’s taught us a lot – it’s that opportunistic criminals love nothing more than cashing in on Christmas, occasionally through hilarious, madcap means.

Sadly, most of us don’t have a Kevin McCallister on hand to fend off such yuletide looters, leaving your home very much alone and wide open to festive thievery.

Luckily, there are a few simple ways you can boost your Christmas home security this December…

Christmas Home Security Tips

Designed to ensure you and your family have a very merry Christmas that goes by without a hitch, here are our top Christmas home security tips for keeping burglars at bay and your home safe this festive season.

1. Don't Give Thieves a Window of Opportunity

A common mistake for many homeowners looking to deck their homely halls with outside Christmas lights is by feeding cables and extension leads through partially opened windows.

Naturally, this provides an effortless entryway for would-be burglars to gain access to the inside of your property. A Christmas home security fail - if you will!

In fact, it’s a literal glowing sign for any thief looking to go rockin’ robbing at Christmastime and a schoolboy error that should be avoided at all costs.

Where possible, opt for battery-powered and decorative illuminations to avoid any need for a plug-in power source altogether.

There are even solar-powered lights on the market if you want to kill two birds with one stone and give back to the environment at the same time.

If mains-powered decorations are all you have and the only option available, consider installing an outside electrical outlet to power your lights without needing to use the inside.

2. Get Rid of Gift Boxes Discreetly

With Christmas refuse collection notoriously disorganised and infrequent during the festive period, it’s not unusual for bags to mount up by the time collections are finally made.

In the case of recycling, this can leave you with a veritable shop window right outside your house, telling the entire street what now lies inside your house post-Xmas.

For passing burglars, this can be like watching The Generation Game, providing a glorified conveyor belt of boxes, packages and containers to whet their appetite.

To keep your contents protected, be sure to rip or fold up any boxes to obscure their previous contents, particularly those that housed something valuable, e.g. a games system or an iPad.

Better still, try to keep your recycling bags off the street and out of view until the night before collection to reduce the chances of a crafty criminal-turned-Columbo detecting what valuables you and your family had for Christmas.

3. Take Precautions If You're Vacating Your Property

Many of us will be looking to spend our Christmases with friends, family and loved ones at various points throughout the festive period. Naturally, this can and often will, involve leaving your property unattended in the process.

If you are going to be vacating your home for an extended period of time over Christmas, taking the appropriate precautions is vital when it comes to protecting your premises.

For extended absences, you may want to ask your neighbour to pick up any deliveries that may build up outside your door to make it less obvious.

Even if you only plan on staying elsewhere overnight, it’s well worth investing in a light switch timer to make it seem as though your house is occupied with periodic lighting.

A typical burglary takes less than ten minutes from start to finish and a good light switch timer can cost less than £30.00. If you can put a price on peace of mind, £30 is definitely a bargain.

4. Don't Leave Gifts In Full View

Gifts nestled safely under a Christmas tree is a given for most houses at Christmastime. However, that doesn’t mean you need to give the street a perfect view of your festive haul.

Leaving your presents in full view of the window – particularly when it comes to houses that back directly on to the street – allows burglars to size up your presents before Christmas has even arrived.

What’s more, once Christmas Day has come and gone, any expensive presents left in full view can leave would-be thieves salivating like a dog in a butcher’s window.

Simply drawing the curtains or placing such items out of obvious view is an easy way to remedy this, so be sure to get into the habit sooner rather than later.

Similarly, broadcasting the newest additions to your contents collection online via social media can also be a risky action. After all, how well do your really know your social media connections?

You could be advertising to the wrong crowd without even knowing it, so think twice before you post that status thanking your partner for the new 65” Smart TV that now sits proudly in your living room.

5. Ensure You Have Fire Safety Precautions In Place

Taking steps to deter thieves and keep your home secure from criminals isn’t the only way to keep your property safe at Christmastime – it’s also important to take fire precautions as well.

Christmas trees are a common offender when it comes to household fires at Christmastime, so keeping your tree away from open flames is a simple yet hugely effective way of reducing the risk of fire during the Christmas period.

Avoid placing your tree anywhere near a heating source, such as a fireplace or potentially flammable electric heater. Meanwhile, always refrain from lighting candles anywhere near your tree.

In addition to that, you may want to think about the tree lights as well. Old Christmas lights can pose a greater risk of catching fire and could see your festive fir light up in an altogether more dangerous way should a bulb blow.

Finally, be sure to switch your tree lights off whenever you leave the house and before you go to bed. Not only will it save you money on your electric bill, it also reduces the likelihood of a fire occurring in your absence.

So, there you have it: five great ways to boost your home security at Christmas. For more advice on how to keep your home secure at Christmas, why not drop us a line? Call now on 029 20 753 251 or get in touch online by clicking the button below.

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Tonight the trick or treaters will be out in force celebrating Halloween, and while this is a time for fun and fright, it's important to keep your home safe and free from pranksters! Here are a few ways you can protect your home from misbehaving monsters tonight...

Jack-O-Lanterns & Lights

While the friendly (or fearsome) faces of jack-o'-lanterns will let people know you're celebrating Halloween, you should also want to consider leaving your porch lights on for a few hours. Alternatively, fit your home with a motion sensor light that will automatically illuminate as passers-by head towards your home. Illuminating your home will deter unwanted visitors and vandals while also making it much easier to spot someone acting suspiciously!

Go for the Garage

Cars are such an easy target on Halloween, so, if you can, we recommend parking your car somewhere secure and out of sight. A garage or even a well-lit area can prevent you from waking up to a nasty new paint job courtesy of pranksters and their spray paint! Consider moving your car to a neighbour's driveway or garage if you don't have one yourself.

Opt for Flameless Candles

With so many people walking around your home, it's very likely that one of your pumpkins could be knocked or kicked over. When you use real candles, there's a possibility of a fire! Why not choose flameless candles instead? They will keep your home safe without putting a dampener on your devilish decorations!

Snap Some Shots

Before the sun sets, take some pictures around your home. this will help you prove if any vandals have de-faced your home in the morning! Better yet, use your CCTV system to keep a close eye on the events of the evening. You can kick back, relax and watch a scary movie in peace knowing that your property is safe and secure!

If you want any more advice about keeping your home safe tonight, or if you want to improve your home security for the future, give our advisors a call on 029 20 753 251.

On Sunday 27th October the clocks go back, which means it's time to update your home security routine. When the dark nights draw in, there's often an influx of house robberies and car thefts as criminals take advantage of the earlier dusk.

Securing your possessions is of utmost importance at this time of year. Many of us are starting our Christmas shopping, and nothing screams 'easy target' to a criminal more than the brand new PlayStation you've haphazardly left in the boot of your car. Taking a little extra time to make sure your home and vehicles aren't vulnerable can make all the difference, but this isn't the only step you should take. Let's dive into some other important precautions...

Light it Up

A great way to give the illusion that someone is home is by leaving a couple of lights on around the house. Worried about your energy bills? Try plugging your lamps into timer switches or switch to energy-efficient bulbs.

Similarly, pick a parking spot that's in a well-lit area rather than parking your car in the shadows. Burglars are far more likely to target cars in secluded side streets! You could even add external lighting to your home or driveway to keep these areas safe and sound. 

Lock and Check

Make sure easily accessible windows, doors and gates are locked before you head out. Taking five minutes to whip around your house and garden to double-check everything is secure will save you days of stress and heartache when you come home to a house that's been ravaged by burglars. 

Keep an Eye

For an added layer of security, why not consider adding CCTV inside or outside your home? Speak to our advisors about adding CCTV that can be remotely accessed from your mobile phone wherever you are. Even if you're working late one night or visiting a Christmas market, you'll be able to keep a close eye on your home & belongings! 

Intruder Alert!!

A great alternative to a CCTV camera is an intruder alarm. We offer intruder alarms with 24/7 monitoring packages, so if someone did attempt a break-in, we'd be on the case immediately. Concerned the police wouldn't get there in time? We use the latest digital signalling equipment to make sure the relevant emergency service units are contacted automatically if an incident was to occur. 

If you'd like to speak to a member of the IDS team about improving your home security before winter truly takes hold, get in touch! 

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When it comes to home security, it's always best to be better safe than sorry. Whether it’s setting up a security camera, installing a burglar alarm or simply keeping your valuables out of view from the window, there are many simple steps you can take to secure your home. 

Here at IDS we're passionate about home security, and we’ve got a handful of additional safety measures we'd like to share with you that you can easily implement to make your property as safe as possible.

Home Security Tips

When it comes to securing your home, there are various different actions you can take, including: 

1. Install a home alarm system
2. Add a deadbolt to your door
3. Add a home CCTV camera 
4. Keep spare keys in a lock box
5. Password protect your WiFi 
6. Store valuables in a safe
7. Add motion detection lights
8. Store valuable items out of sight from windows

Here at IDS Security we're experts in home security and have been offering home security solutions for over 20 years. If you'd like to read more about our home security systems, click the link below!

Home Security System

Garden Security Tips

The garden is one of the primary gateways to your home. As such, it’s also a key area when it comes to home safety. Opportunistic burglars can prey on those with poor security in their gardens, making the most of dark and shadowy areas. Consider making these small changes to your outside space in order to keep your property as secure as possible:

1) Lock Your Outbuildings

An unlocked outbuilding is like a cartoon pie cooling on a windowsill – it’s the dream sight for an opportunist and really is asking for trouble. Whether you own a shed, summer house or garden room, any kind of detachable outbuilding will be a prime target for petty thieves.

This can prove to be particularly costly when it comes to outbuildings like workshops, which are likely to house expensive items, machinery and materials. What’s more, these outbuildings could also provide burglars with the tools they need to break into your actual house, whether it’s a ladder, a crowbar or even a shovel.

Keep your outbuildings secured with a padlock and consider accessorising with an alarm. If windows are present, ensure they are all equipped with sturdy locks or seal shut permanently.

2) Secure Your Bike

Bikes are one of the most commonly stolen items from the home. Keeping your bike secure might not seem like the most important home security tip, but it can cause a real inconvenience - especially if you use your bike to get to work.

If you own a bike, you’ll be all too aware that a good one isn’t cheap. Protect your investment by buying a bike store for your garden. Bike boxes make for the perfect hideaway for your two-wheeled transport. Secure with the appropriate padlocks for the ideal concealed area for you and your families bicycles.

3) Immobilise Your Car

It’s not just your two-wheeled transportation you should be concerned with either; your motorised vehicles can be just as tempting to thieves. While you may think your car is safe when it’s stored on your drive or parked in a well-lit street, that’s not always the case. Here are some home security tips to keep your automobile safe and secure.

Installing a security post or bollard on your drive can be a fantastic way to ensure your car stays put where you parked it. At IDS Security, we specialise in a variety of barrier systems, including rising bollards that can be perfect for driveway use at residential properties.

4) Anchor Garden Valuables

It’s amazing what criminals will steal in the hopes of financial gain, from children’s toys and outdoor furniture to plant pots and garden gnomes.

The front garden is particularly at risk from such theft, given its open nature. As such, it’s a good idea to secure your garden valuables by tying them down in place with cable ties.

5) Upgrade Your Gate

A haggard, old gate isn’t worth the rusted hinge it hangs on, while a damaged wooden fence that barely stands may as well be a revolving door. Metal gates are a great solution, providing visibility and durability in equal measure. If you prefer a wooden alternative, aim for a fence with a trellis panel at the top.

The opaque body of the fence will prevent snooping eyes, while the trellis top won’t be strong enough to support a climbing intruder, posing the risk of injury and/or discovery. For heightened home security, adding an additional padlock is a wise move, ensuring your gate remains shut when you want it to be.

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For more home security tips on keep you home safe, check out our blog on “Common Home Security Mistakes”, or "Home Security System Maintenance" Knowledge is power and knowing what NOT to do can go a long way.

If you have any additional safety queries or are interested in implementing IDS Security options in your home, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 20 753 251 or drop us a line using the link below.

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When it comes to home security, there’s no such thing as being too careful.

According to the Office of National Statistics, from April 2017 to March 2018, 14% of all domestic burglaries in Wales and England involved an unlocked door and 7% involved an open window, while 4% saw entry with an actual key.

Even more concerning, the front door was used as the point of entry for 52% of these incidents. Meanwhile, 25% of all burglaries also occurred while the occupants were home and completely unaware that they were being burgled.

Such statistics point to the glaringly obvious – Britain needs to be more careful when it comes to home security. Luckily, there are a few common home security mistakes you can easily remedy to increase your home safety dramatically.

Home Security Mistakes

As the old sayings go, prevention is better than a cure and defence is the best form of attack. Keep your home safe from break-ins by avoiding the most common home security mistakes prevalent across the UK.

Hiding a Key Outside

A classic security mistake, the old “key under the mat” trick is so predictably careless that it’s been habitually lampooned in pop culture, appearing in everything from Back to the Future to SpongeBob SquarePants.

Similar spots like under a plant put or beneath a bin are just as predictable for would-be burglars, leaving your home wide open for unwanted visitors.

Leaving your key outside is like setting your phone pin as your date of birth. While it might not be as careless as keeping it open, it’s far from fool-proof and doesn’t take a criminal mastermind to get in.

High-Profile Valuables

If your valuables are highly visible from the outside, it can leave a passing opportunist salivating like a dog in a butcher’s window.

From jewellery and watches to car keys and mobile phones, leaving items in direct view of the window is asking for trouble, particularly if your house directly backs on to a busy street.

While it’s easy to say “don’t leave your valuable in full-view”, realistically anyone can slip up from time to time. As such, it’s a good idea to invest in blinds or even net curtains.

To further limit the possibility of your prized possessions being swiped, never leave an open window unattended.

Lights Out

While it may seem obvious, a dark house with no lighting is ironically a glaring beacon to burglars that the house is empty…unless you happen to have photophobia and simply hate lights.

If you’re going to be out of the house for a short period of time – such as the evening or overnight – leaving a light on is an instant remedy that can work wonders. It’s literally as easy as flicking a switch.

Meanwhile, if you’re going away on holiday and are going to be leaving your house vacant for several days, installing light timers can be a wise and affordable solution. Some don’t even require programming for added ease.

A lack of lighting externally can also provide burglars with the perfect cover to enter a property undetected. Invest in motion sensor security lights to highlight any intruders before they make their move.

External Build-Ups

Whether it’s an overflowing letterbox of backlogged junk mail or a growing stock of deliveries in the porch, external build-ups clearly in plain view of passers-by make it blatantly obvious the occupants are away for a prolonged period of time.

Even something simple like leaving your bins at the bottom of the drive for collection can be a dead giveaway. If possible, cancel any deliveries and/or arrange for a neighbour, friend or family member to stop by and collect/clear up any obvious signs of inhabitancy.

A build-up of milk on your doorstep used to be another tell-tale sign of a lengthy getaway. While this has somewhat fallen by the wayside with the decline of milk deliveries, it’s been naturally replaced by a fitting 21^st century substitute…

Social Media Declarations

Many of us will be guilty of this next entry but it doesn’t make it any less foolish from a security point of view. Announcing your holiday plans on social media is like putting a big neon “OPEN” sign on your front door.

Letting the social media world know your house is vacant for a week isn’t smart. While we’d all like to think that our friends are honest, law-abiding citizens, truthfully, many of us will be connected to people online we know in passing or barely know at all. 

If you have hundreds of Facebook friends, ask yourself how many of those can you really count as genuine friends? Realistically, many will be acquaintances, while some may even be relative unknowns.

Worse still, a bit of digging through your timeline can often uncover an address with relative ease. For example, we’ve all seen those “new home” posts of house keys: if the accompanying photo is of the house or street itself, they can provide a lot more info than you would like.

Home Security

If you really want to keep your home safe and sound, it could be well worth investing in some additional safety options. At IDS Security, we offer a variety of home security measures that are specifically designed to keep your home and its contents as safe as possible.

From surveillance cameras and burglar alarms to access controls and fire protection systems, we run the gamut of security technology to provide you with something money can’t buy – peace of mind.

For more details on our security systems and home protection technology, why not get in touch today? Call now on 029 20 753 251 or drop us a line using the link below.

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