Why Burglaries Spike During The Holidays (and what you can do about it)

Everyone’s excitement builds as the year draws to a close. There are the parties, the gifts, and the overall festiveness of the season. Everyone’s mood lifts. Not surprisingly, there’s a rise in theft and property crime.

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, property theft crimes including burglary, increase by 20 percent.

Why does this happen?

It would appear that the issue hasn’t been explored in detail, but the few studies that have been conducted point to a mixture of things.

  • People are busier

Think about it. During the holidays, you’re out visiting everyone and attending events. Or shopping and trying to get all those little errands done. This is in addition to all the other stuff you would have been doing anyway.

Essentially, you’re not home as often. Burglars like nothing better. Your increased absence gives them the opportunity to look over your home, to decide whether it’s a likely candidate and to break in if they think it is.

Beyond this, you’re just more distracted. You have so much more to do so that everyone can have an enjoyable season that you start to forget things. Like arming your security system when you leave the house.

It happens to the best of us. But you don’t want that to happen at night thieves decide to break in.

  • You’ve Got Packages On Your Porch

With the rise of services like Amazon, thieves don’t even have to break into your house to get the goodies they’re looking for. Just take them from outside.

Unless you’ve got a dog, or a front wall or gate, your packages are easy pickings for thieves.

  • You Have More Of the Things They Want In The House

You’ve made your list and you’ve checked it twice. Everyone you care about has that special something they wanted and you have those presents stored securely. Or so you think.

If your hiding place is in the master bedroom closet, guess what? Burglars say that’s one of the first places they look.

Plus, you’re more likely to have large sums of cash and jewelry that you would have taken out of a safe or deposit box to wear.

The sum of it all is that burglars know that homes during the holidays are a jackpot and they’re waiting to hit it.

  • It’s Not The Most Wonderful Time of The Year For Everyone

Unfortunately, people are more prone to anxiety and depression around the holidays. Much of this is centered around not being able to buy things for their friends and family.

Combined with the increase in alcohol and drug use that’s also seen around the holidays, you have lowered inhibitions and heightened motivation for thieves to break into your home.

 

What can you do about it?

In this case, knowledge is definitely power. You know that there is a greater risk someone is going to try to break into your home during the holidays.

The first step is to increase your overall level of vigilance. Don’t forget to keep following the security precautions you stuck with for the rest of the year.

Ensure you lock your doors and windows before you head out. Turn on your security systems as well.

Then there are longer-range considerations. When was the last time you checked the integrity of the locks in your doors and windows? Are they aged? Are they all working well? The last thing you want is compromised locks that make it easier to get into your home.

Get a video doorbell and a smart lock to keep an eye on deliveries and your packages while you’re at work. Most delivery services offer the option of having your packages placed inside your home.

If you know you’re going to be out more often or even on vacation, make your home look lived in. This has been shown to dissuade thieves. It won’t hurt to tell a neighbor you’re friendly with to throw an eye on your home while you’re away.

We’re experts at locks. With a home assessment, we’ll be able to tell you whether your locks are as secure as they can be this coming holiday season. Call us at 1 305 987 3517.

getint-icon-banner
About the author
David Davidof is the founder & owner of Quickly Locksmith. The business has grown from strength to strength to become Miami’s go-to provider for Locksmith and Security services. Whilst the company has grown, the founding ethos has remained the same - Helping people in emergency situations and giving them the feeling they are safe.
image_to_use_for_author_page
icon testimonials
TESTIMONIALS

What Our Clients In Miami Are Saying About Us

Words of Trust: Our valued customers share their experiences with our services. Discover how we've earned their trust and satisfaction. Join the community today!

Jason Brown client review

Jayson brown

UI/UX Designer
stars

I was in a jam with a broken lock, and these locksmiths came to my rescue! Fast, reliable, and courteous service.
I highly recommend them for any locksmith needs. A+ service!

Michael Tatum client review

Michael Tatum

Senior UX Designer
stars

I needed new locks installed in my home, and this locksmith company exceeded my expectations. Professional, efficient, and reasonably priced. I feel safer now. Thank you!

James Bryant client review

James Bryant

Product Manager
stars

Locked out of my car in the middle of the night, but these locksmiths arrived quickly and got me back in. Their 24/7 service saved me! Top-notch service with a friendly attitude.

Some of our satisfied clients in Miami:

icon getint
GET IN TOUCH

Let’s talk about your security requirements & needs

    image left tips
    icon tips
    TIPS

    Our Tips For Getting The Best Locksmith Services In Miami FL:

    We truly care about your security. Keeping you, your family and your most valuable possessions safe is why we are in business. However, whenever you are looking to hire a residential locksmith service, here are some valuable tips to make the right choice.

    FAQ

    HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER MY MIAMI LOCKSMITH IS CERTIFIED?
    When a Miami locksmith completes their official application process, they are issued with a Locksmith ID car. Locksmiths in Miami are required to display this card at all times when performing any services, regardless of the location.
    HOW LONG WILL A LOCKSMITH TAKE TO ARRIVE?
    When you’re working with the Quickly Locksmith Miami team, you can expect someone to arrive at your exact location within 15 minutes. This ensures we can get you back into your home or car as soon as possible.
    WHAT DOES A CERTIFICATION GUARANTEE?
    Your certified Miami locksmith’s work comes with a complete warranty for your locks, your property (doors/ hallways, etc.), and of course your well-being. If anything happens you share no liability, and your locks & security systems are 100% insured.
    CAN A MIAMI LOCKSMITH OPEN ALL LOCKS?
    A locksmith that has the right tools and years of experience can open almost any lock. If that’s not an option, the lock can always be replaced. Either way, your home and valuables will be safe and secure.
    CAN AN AUTO LOCKSMITH CREATE A SPARE KEY AT MY LOCATION?
    When you are locked out of your car, the last thing you want to do is arrange a ride to a locksmith shop. The Quickly Locksmith Miami mobile unit will not only meet you at your location but also help you with a replacement car key on the spot.
    DO I NEED THE ORIGINAL KEY TO MAKE A KEY COPY?
    Not necessarily. If your original key has been lost or is damaged, a Miami locksmith can use a code cutter to identify the depth of grooves in a lock’s key code. This information can then be used to create a new key.
    Service Areas

    Our Service Areas In Miami:

    Find The Nearest Locksmith To Your Location in Miami FL

    icon blog short
    BLOG

    Check Out The Latest News On Our Blog

    Smart Security Choices: 5 Effective Alternatives to Video Doorbells In Miami FL.

    A Professional Guide by David Davidof Master Locksmith & Owner of Quickly Locksmith Miami Serving South Florida for Over 18 ...

    Can a Locksmith Make a Key From a Door Lock?

    What Does The Locksmith Do?

    Why is a Locksmith Expensive?

    Why Locksmiths In Miami FL So Expensive?

    Professional and Certified Locksmith Installers For
    All Of The Top Locks Brands