The holiday season should be a time for celebration, not worry. Unfortunately, it’s also a peak time for home break-ins, with criminals taking advantage of empty houses. Before you head out to visit family or escape on a winter getaway, take a moment to ask: Is your home truly secure?
A burglary can turn a joyful season into a stressful one, but the good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. However, taking proper precautions can help ensure that when you return home, everything is just as you left it. Before you leave for the holidays, take a few minutes to review and check off key security measures to keep your home and property safe.
Holiday Travel Home Security Checklist
Secure Doors & Windows
Lock all doors and windows, including garage and basement
Reinforce entry points with deadbolts and security bars
Install smart locks or doorbell cameras for remote monitoring
Lighting & Visibility
Set indoor and outdoor lights on timers or smart controls
Keep entryways and driveways well-lit
Trim overgrown bushes near doors and windows
Alarm & Security Systems
Arm your home security system before leaving
Test cameras, alarms, and motion sensors
Notify your security company of your travel dates
Mail & Deliveries
Pause mail and newspaper delivery or ask a neighbor to collect
Use package lockers or schedule deliveries when home
Avoid leaving boxes or flyers at the door
Neighbors & Trusted Contacts
Inform a trusted neighbor or friend of your trip
Provide a key and contact info for emergencies
Ask them to park in your driveway occasionally
Smart Home & Remote Access
Use an app to monitor security cameras and alarms
Adjust thermostats and lights remotely
Set up mobile alerts for suspicious activity
Appear Home While Away
Set TVs or radios on timers for background noise
Keep a car in the driveway if possible
Avoid posting travel plans on social media
Fire & Water Safety
Unplug non-essential electronics
Shut off water if leaving for an extended period
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Final Checks Before Leaving
Double-check all doors and windows are locked
Ensure valuables are secured in a safe or hidden place
Take a quick video or photos of your home for insurance purposes
Home Burglaries: Did you know ?
- A staggering 75% of homeowners don’t have a home security system?
- Homes without a security system are 300% more likely to be broken into and burglarized.
- 83% of would-be burglars check for the presence of an alarm system before attempting a break-in.
- According to the Illinois government, for every 100,000 homes, there were 246.6 home burglaries.
Home burglars will take advantage knowing that homeowners are constantly away during the holiday season, shopping for gifts and going on a trip. Even if you stay at home, due to the harsh Illinois winters, it gives thieves more time to enter your home and grab as much as they can. However, you can avoid this all by following our holiday season home security checklist:
5 Ways to Protect Your Home Beyond Holiday Travel
Securing your home isn’t just about the holidays—it’s about year-round protection. Whether you’re traveling or simply want peace of mind, taking the right steps can make all the difference. Here’s how you can enhance your home security with industry-leading solutions from Goldy Locks.
1. Invest in a High-Quality Security Camera System
A well-equipped home security camera system is one of the most effective tools for deterring crime. Whether you’re at home or away, security cameras provide real-time visibility into your property and record critical footage in case of an incident. According to the FBI’s 2023 crime statistics, the clearance rate for burglary offenses in the United States was 14.4%. This means that only about one in seven reported burglary cases were solved by law enforcement that year. However, that number increases significantly when homeowners have high-quality security cameras.
Goldy Locks offers state-of-the-art security cameras, providing HD clarity and remote access so you can monitor your home from anywhere. When it comes to protecting your property, having reliable surveillance is a must.
2. Strengthen Your Security with a Professional Alarm System
An alarm system is a crucial layer of protection for any home security plan. A properly installed alarm not only alerts you and your neighbors to unauthorized entry but also acts as a powerful deterrent—most intruders will flee as soon as an alarm sounds.
Goldy Locks provides advanced alarm solutions, including motion sensors and high-decibel sirens, ensuring immediate detection of any suspicious activity. With the right system in place, you can significantly reduce the risk of break-ins.
3. Integrate Smart Home Automation for Maximum Security
Home automation has become an essential component of modern security systems, allowing homeowners to manage their security remotely. With smart automation, you can control lighting, security cameras, and even door locks from your smartphone—creating the illusion of occupancy even when you are miles away.
Goldy Locks specializes in seamless smart home security integration, ensuring that your system is not only set up correctly but that you also understand how to use it effectively. Whether you’re looking to automate your lighting, secure entry points, or receive real-time alerts, our experts can design a system tailored to your needs.
4. Enhance Protection with 24/7 Home Alarm Monitoring
Security shouldn’t stop when you leave home. With 24/7 home alarm monitoring, you can ensure that any suspicious activity triggers an immediate response. Whether you’re traveling or just busy with day-to-day life, a monitored system keeps watch over your property, notifying authorities when necessary.
Goldy Locks offers comprehensive monitoring plans that provide around-the-clock surveillance, giving you peace of mind knowing that trained professionals are always keeping an eye on your home.
5. Safeguard Against Environmental Threats with Detection Systems
Home security isn’t just about preventing break-ins. Harsh Illinois winters can bring additional risks, including furnace failures, gas leaks, and fire hazards. Advanced home detection systems can alert you to these dangers before they become critical, helping you protect both your home and your loved ones.
Goldy Locks provides cutting-edge detection technology designed to identify and respond to environmental threats, ensuring that you’re notified at the first sign of danger.
Securing your home during the holidays is essential, but true protection goes beyond seasonal precautions. Before you travel, take key steps like ensuring your security system is up to date, locking all entry points, and keeping your home from appearing vacant. However, home security is a year-round commitment. Investing in high-quality security cameras, installing alarm systems, integrating smart home automation, opting for 24/7 professional monitoring, and utilizing advanced detection systems can provide ongoing protection. By combining holiday security measures with long-term strategies, you can safeguard your home and enjoy peace of mind every day of the year.
Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by Gerry Griffin
