Christmas: A Season For Giving, Receiving, and Taking

The weeks leading up to Christmas are the biggest shopping weeks of the year. Many retailers solely survive on these weeks because they often account for 70 percent of their annual revenue. Because of this, retail stores tend to hype this festive season to the hilt creating a buying frenzy.

Stocking our homes with the latest electronic gadgets, computers, jewelry and clothing is a given.

Unfortunately while we are in the mood for giving and receiving, somebody is in the mood for taking. "Taking," is definitely on the home burglar's mind as he or she views the holiday season through different eyes. Eyes that are focused on your home to complete their own shopping list.

Christmas is a magical time of year when family and friends come together to celebrate the season. To help preserve your special times and thwart intruders, I have compiled a Christmas Home Security Check List.

Do not display your Christmas tree and gifts in the front window. This is an invitation for burglars to check out the inventory.

If you must place your tree in front of the window, make sure that you don't display gifts under it until closer to Christmas.

Do not hide door keys under mats. The first place a burglar will look for a house key is under a mat. Rocks, flower pots and door ledges are next on a burglars search list, so don't get caught being security complacent.

If you must leave a key for emergency purposes make sure that you leave it with a trusted friend or neighbor.

Christmas tends to bring out the handyman in some of us. Don't get caught feeding an extension through a locking window and jeopardizing your home's security.

If you must, install outside electrical outlets for your outside lights and decorative Christmas fixtures.

Make sure that you lock all windows and doors, even if just leaving your home for a few minutes. Intruders only need a few seconds to ruin your day.

Don't give information on answering machines. It is best just to say that you are busy at the moment and to leave your name and number and you will return the call.

If you can, call forward your home phone number to your cell or neighbor for the duration of your absence.

Keep your drapes or window blinds closed at night. When going out for the evening make use of inexpensive timers to give the illusion of occupancy.

Photo cell lighting is also an inexpensive way of simulating activity.

Do not let newspapers pile up on your front door step. Try to keep the front door area swept and clean. Messy front door entrances can give the wrong message to a burglar.

Conceal all gift boxes after Christmas, so as not to alert burglars. Make sure that you cut up all boxes and place them in solid plastic bags for garbage pick-up.

Make sure that you have target hardened your home by installing the proper hardware - hardware like deadbolts, strike plates, window locks, door hinges, door viewers, and even alarm systems.

Frank Fourchalk is widely recognized for his sustained commitment to education in Home and Business security throughout North America as a result of his syndicated newspaper columns. Mr. Fourchalk has written for The Toronto Star, The Vancouver Province, and several other daily newspapsers including the New York Post.Cammi Blog3116
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