Everybody knows that around this time of year, the crime rate is higher than usual. From big cities and rural towns, these Christmas-time robberies can happen to anyone anywhere. However, there is no need to fear! You don’t need an expensive home security network to keep your home safe this season. All you need are a few quick, simple, and inexpensive ideas that can make a big difference this holiday season and protect your precious home and everything in it.

This first idea can help prevent break-ins before Christmas: DON’T PUT GIFTS UNDER YOUR TREE UNTIL YOU ARE HOME ON CHRISTMAS EVE NIGHT. Some people put a few gifts out before Christmas and when you’re not home, a burglar can see the gifts and break-in to take them. Also, many people go out Christmas Eve night and put gifts out before they leave so when they come back home, the gifts are all set and they can go right to bed after their Christmas Eve fun. But remember, this is the perfect set-up for a burglar! You put the gifts out, you leave, and the sneaky burglar breaks-in and all your hard-earned gifts are out the door. Don’t be stupid! The burglars love the stupid people so don’t be one of them!

This second idea can help prevent break-ins after Christmas, which many people don’t even think about. They think once Christmas is done, the burglars won’t come, but the gifts are still in your house and there is still the threat that the burglars can come in. DON’T ADVERTISE WHAT YOU GOT FOR CHRISTMAS. WHEN YOU THROW AWAY YOUR EMPTY BOXES (LIKE IF YOU GOT AN EXPENSIVE GIFT LIKE A LAPTOP) RIP UP THAT BOX BEFORE YOU PUT IT IN YOUR TRASH. If you don’t, the burglar can see the laptop box in the trash (especially when you place your trash outside or on the curb), and now they know that there is a brand new laptop in your house. All they have to do now is break-in. This may seem like an extreme measure, but if you really care about your new expensive gift then protect it!

These are just two simple ways to protect your home and gifts before and after Christmas. Use them if you will, but either way, I hope you have a happy holiday!