Christmas is a prime time for home intruders to strike, with annual Christmas reunions and trips seeing people leave their homes for days at a time.
It’s well known that people store their many Christmas gifts at home ahead of the big day, and if they’re on show under your tree - visible from a window - your home could be targeted.
Burglaries are a year-round issue across the globe, so AA Ireland has laid out some advice to ensure opportunistic thieves don’t capitalise on home security lapses.
It isn’t just your home you need to be careful with, but leaving your car unattended at night with items on show in the back or boot can also lead to car theft.
Speaking about the things people need to be wary of, AA spokesperson, Anna Cullen said: “Many of us will be out shopping over the Christmas period, and our cars will be left unoccupied.
“It’s so important to protect your gifts while you’re shopping and when they’re stored in the car.
“Of course it may not always be possible to avoid leaving your car unoccupied, but there are still things you can do to reduce your risk.
“If it’s possible, then park in a secure car park and get into the habit of physically checking the car has locked before you walk away from it,” Cullen added.
A recent AA Ireland survey found that 40% of people fitted an alarm to their property to help reduce their risk of burglary.
Meanwhile, 20% of people opted to bring a dog into the home to act as a deterrent, and 19% installed new exterior door locks.
“Unfortunately each year our home insurance team comes across cases of homes being broken into and gifts being stolen. People want to enjoy Christmas, but keeping your home safe is vital,” Cullen went on to say.
“Make sure it is tough for a burglar to enter your home – ensure all potential entry points are locked and secure. Hide presents carefully, don’t store them in obvious places like wardrobes where burglars are bound to look,” she adds.
To help keep your home safe this year, AA Ireland has said you should always think of the world ‘angel’ when leaving your home.
A – Make sure your ALARM is functioning and turn it on before you leave.
N – Tell a NEIGHBOUR, if you’re leaving for a long period, so they can keep an eye on your home.
G – GLASS; check that all your windows are closed and locked before you leave.
E – EXITS; make sure all your external doors are locked.
L – Leave some LIGHTS on so that it looks like someone is home
