No matter how nice you\u2019ve been all year, there are some naughty people out there who wouldn\u2019t think twice about sneaking down your chimney to steal your presents, and maybe even your car.<\/strong><\/p>\n The holiday season is prime time for thieves who take advantage of well-lit glimpses into gift-filled homes and unattended parcels on doorsteps. Whether you\u2019re spending the holidays at home or away, everyone is at a heightened risk for theft during this period.<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s hard to believe, but stealing Christmas presents is a lucrative business among thieves. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n Don\u2019t spend the lead<\/a> up to Christmas worrying about whether or not your home is safe. Read up on these quick tips for\u00a0minimising your risk of property theft\u00a0over the holidays.<\/span><\/p>\n Even if you\u2019re staying home for the holidays, there\u2019s still a risk that someone may try to break in to steal presents or other valuables. Holiday commitments like dinners, parties and shopping means your home isn\u2019t always occupied, leaving thieves with an open opportunity to help themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n To dissuade thieves from entering, there are a few things you can do:<\/p>\n If you\u2019re going out for a couple hours, keep a couple lights on to make it look like you\u2019re still home and do not publicise your whereabouts on social media.<\/span><\/p>\n Also ensure that you haven\u2019t left any tools around while decorating your house that could assist burglars with gaining access to your home, like ladders.<\/span><\/p>\n Most importantly, keep your gifts and holiday shopping out of sight and to take an inventory of everything you\u2019ve purchased just in case things do get stolen.<\/span><\/p>\n And speaking of gifts, you may want to think about adding a home security system<\/a> to your own Christmas wish list.<\/span><\/p>\n A scene like this could be attractive to thieves. Picture: Getty<\/p>\n<\/div>\n The convenience and popularity of online shopping over the holidays also comes with a big increase in package theft. If you\u2019ve ordered something online or are anticipating a package from someone, make sure you will be home when it arrives to prevent thieves from stealing your parcel.<\/span><\/p>\n To help manage your delivery, always obtain a tracking number for your order. You can request a signature on delivery or redirect the parcel to your workplace if you know you won\u2019t be home when it arrives.<\/span><\/p>\n If you\u2019re not hanging around for the holidays, make sure you leave your house in the most secure state as possible before you go.<\/span><\/p>\n Start by letting your neighbours know where you are going and how long you will be gone for. Leave them with an emergency contact number they can call in case something happens to your property.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n It\u2019s also a good idea to invest in some self-timing indoor and outdoor lights. These will create the illusion that you are home, which could help deter thieves. A better alternative would be to have someone house-sit for you so your house remains occupied, or at the very least, ask friends and family to stop by regularly. While they are there, ask them to collect your mail so it doesn\u2019t pile up, making it look obvious that you\u2019re away.<\/span><\/p>\n Of course in the event that you do have a break-in, your\u00a0home and contents insurance should have you covered.<\/span><\/p>\n This article was originally publishing on Youi.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n
\n <\/p><\/div>\n Realestate au <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"![\"Presents\"](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/27132713\/Presents-2000x1500-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re staying in<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"Christmas](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.realestate.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/27133721\/Christmas-scene-2000x1500-1024x768.jpg?resize=1024%2C768&ssl=1\")
<\/p>\nIf you\u2019re expecting parcels<\/span><\/h2>\n
If you\u2019re going away<\/span><\/h2>\n