Is Your Security Ready for the Holidays? 3 Festive Failsafe Steps for Edinburgh Homes 🛡️

December is a time for travel, celebration, and—unfortunately—an increased risk of break-ins. The combination of long, dark nights and vacant homes (often containing high-value gifts) makes properties particularly vulnerable.

To ensure your Edinburgh home is protected this festive season, security is not about luck; it’s about preparation. Here are three essential steps to secure your property before you travel, optimised for a quick security check:

1. Maintain the “Lived-In” Look

The primary goal is to deter opportunists. Use smart lighting and timers to ensure lights, and perhaps a radio, switch on and off at natural intervals. Critically, ensure your alarm system is set to communicate properly with your monitoring station or app—a quick test now provides peace of mind.

2. Perform a CCTV Clear Sight Check

Poor visibility aids intruders. Before you leave, check your CCTV cameras to confirm they have clear sight lines. Trim back any excessive winter foliage or hanging lights that might obscure the view. Log into your remote monitoring app to ensure you can access live and recorded footage successfully from your phone while you’re away.

3. Keep Gifts and Travel Plans Private

Never advertise your absence. Avoid posting travel plans on social media until you return. Also, break down large gift boxes (especially for high-value items like electronics) and dispose of them discreetly inside a bin, rather than leaving them piled next to the curb, which acts as a clear signal of new valuables inside.

For maximum security this holiday season, contact your local experts for a pre-travel system check. Investing a small amount in preparation is worth the peace of mind.