5 Tips to Keep Your Home Secure This Christmas

From the Metropolitan Police to Hertfordshire Constabulary, police forces across the UK have published detailed Christmas burglary prevention advice, and for good reason.

Using our 40+ years of experience at Armour Security, we put together this blog post of tips to help keep your home safe for anyone going away over Christmas.

Why Homes Face an Increased Risk of Burglary Over Christmas

While people leave their homes unoccupied at many points during the year, Christmas is one of the most common and early nights that create ideal conditions for burglars.

Here are some tips from our home security experts to help you protect your valuables this Christmas.

1. Make Sure All Entry Points Are Fully Secured

Windows, doors, and side entrances are the most common access points for burglars. Even small vulnerabilities, like an old lock, a poorly lit doorway, or a window that doesn’t close properly, provide opportunities.

Security systems like the Pyronix Enforcer Kit 1 offer a practical way to improve home security with a control panel, wireless sensors, and detectors that include door and window contacts, motion sensors, and a loud internal siren. Together, these components help identify unusual activity and alert you to potential intrusions, making it easier to keep your home safe and monitored.

2. Invest in Smart Security Before You Travel

For many, a monitored intruder alarm adds a layer of protection, especially during long trips. With professional monitoring, your alarm is watched 24/7, and help can be dispatched even if you’re hundreds of miles away.

Modern CCTV systems allow you to check live footage from your phone, receive motion alerts, and review recorded events at anytime from anywhere.

3. Ask Someone You Trust to Keep an Eye on Your Home

While technology is essential, there’s value in having a neighbour, friend, or family member check in on your house while you’re away. Something as simple as collecting mail, closing curtains at night, or occasionally parking on your drive can make it look like someone’s home, deterring criminals.

If you have a smart doorbell or CCTV system, these can even help keep an eye on alerts for you, ensuring any suspicious activity is flagged quickly.

4. Avoid Advertising Your Absence

With social media now part of daily life, it’s easy to accidentally broadcast the fact you’re not home. Holiday countdowns, airport photos, and location tags can unintentionally let the wrong people know your house is empty.

Being mindful about what you post and delaying festive photos until you return can dramatically reduce your risk. Even something as simple as asking a neighbour to move your bins in and out or park their car on your driveway can help avoid unwanted attention.

5. Check Exterior Lighting and Visibility

Good lighting is a strong deterrent, especially in winter. Motion-activated lights around side paths, gardens, and entrances help eliminate dark spots where intruders might hide.

HD CCTV cameras perform best in areas with proper lighting, and a certified security engineer will be able to advise on how to position lights to maximise camera clarity and coverage. This ensures that if someone approaches your home, their movements are clearly recorded and you receive accurate alerts.

We can install PIR-activated cameras and motion sensors, which work in tandem with your existing lighting setup so that when movement is detected, your cameras or alarms trigger immediately, giving burglars little time to linger in dark spots.

Stay Safe with Professional Home Security This Christmas

Applying these home security tips when you’re away can dramatically reduce the risk of burglary over the festive season.

At Armour Security, we offer expert installation, free home surveys, and NSI Gold-approved systems designed to keep your home secure throughout Christmas and beyond. Whether you’re upgrading your existing security or protecting your home for the first time, our engineers provide tailored solutions that suit your property, lifestyle, and holiday plans.

For advice tailored to the layout of your property, speak to one of our experts.