Stay secure this Christmas: Home security tips for high-value homes
High value home insurance specialists, Stanhope, are warning homeowners to be especially careful this Christmas. “It’s a busy time for everyone, including burglars,” says Director, Matthew Ashton, who highlights why high value homes are particularly vulnerable and what to do about it.
“High value homes are easy to identify thanks to tell-tale signs of wealth on display for all to see; an expensive car on the driveway, a beautifully manicured garden or expensive tech, like large televisions or other devices, visible through the windows.
“Christmas is also one of the most popular times for people to travel away for days or even weeks, for the holidays, often leaving their homes empty and vulnerable. When properties are unattended the opportunities for burglars increase significantly.”
Criminals like to exploit predictable routines, especially when the dark nights and bad weather make it easier to go unnoticed. In fact, Keyways Fire & Security reports that burglary rates increase by about 25-30% in winter, peaking in December and January. Perhaps the most obvious draw, is the potential to steal valuable items. Luxury houses often contain expensive electronics, designer clothes, jewellery, antiques and artwork, and even cash.
How to protect your home from burglary this winter
Stanhope’s advice is to combine smart technology with tailored insurance, which helps to create a robust security strategy and is key to effective home burglary prevention. Modern, smart security systems can send instant alerts so that homeowners can monitor their property wherever they may be over Christmas. An advanced system can control access so that only trusted individuals can enter the property, adding an extra layer of security. For complete protection, use a 24/7 monitoring service with real-time responses to any suspicious activity.
Homeowners investing in smart security systems, should make sure they invest in cybersecurity too. All smart devices are potential targets that can help opportunistic criminals to break in, so securing home networks is as critical as physical security. Specialist insurance adds another layer of reassurance that standard policies can often miss. The right insurer can safeguard your property and possessions against theft, damage and even cyber threats.
Matthew Ashton’s message to high value homeowners this Christmas is: “Don’t let home security concerns overshadow festive celebrations. Reduce the chances of problems by prioritising home security during the holiday season. Combining advanced technology with specialist insurance can significantly lower risk and help protect what matters most, even when nobody is home. Stay secure this festive season.”
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