5 tips to keep your home secure during the festive season

If you don’t already have an intruder alarm system, consider having a burglar alarm installed by Highlander Security Systems.  An intruder alarm system can be the perfect solution to protect your home. Burglars will typically go for the easy option, so an unprotected home will stand out among those that are clearly alarmed.

If you have a burglar alarm, make sure to set it when you go out and ensure all doors and windows are locked. If you have any festive lights outside, make sure you don’t have an electricity extension cord running through an open window to power them, this will prevent your window from closing properly and burglars know to look for this vulnerability.

Your burglar alarm should be installed by a professional security system company and maintained at least once a year, this is crucial to ensure that your burglar alarm is in full working order. At Highlander Security Systems, we are happy to take over or repair systems installed by other companies. If this is the case, we arrange a free no obligation site visit where we will check the existing system prior to sending a quotation for the necessary work. In most cases we are able to improve your current service and save you money against your existing maintenance arrangements.

Invest in Security Lights

With the night’s drawing in earlier throughout the winter months and Christmas being one of the darkest nights of the year, it’s an ideal opportunity for burglars to break in without being detected.

Having motion sensor security lights installed at your property is a great way of alerting you of someone entering your premises whilst deterring would-be thieves at the same time. By having motion sensor lights that are programmed to switch on when movement is detected, potential thieves will suddenly be displayed in a spotlight, being caught in the act. This is enough for most burglars to flee the premises in fear of being caught.

Good lighting can also help you feel safer when leaving or returning home after dark and should be installed on main entry points such as front and back doors, patio doors, sheds and garages.

CCTV camera systems

One of the most common and effective forms of protecting your property is through the use of security cameras.

CCTV systems can provide a visible and effective deterrent against all types of crimes including burglary and vandalism. 
Our high-performance CCTV camera security systems will help keep your home safe, while continuously monitoring and recording important events.

Cameras allow you to capture footage of intruders, although DIY camera systems are not as reliable as a professional system and usually have blurry footage that won’t help identifying the criminals. We would recommend a professional security camera system installed by a professional CCTV engineer. A CCTV system installed by Highlander Security Systems includes HD-quality recordings in both day and night vision and built in microphones. Our security camera systems also feature the ability to view live video streams remotely via the internet, meaning you can view live footage on your phone, tablet and PC at any time, or any place, if you have an internet connection. So, if you are away on holiday, visiting family or out shopping you can still have the peace of mind that your property is fully protected.

CCTV systems can also provide push notifications to your phone using motion detection or line crossing detection. Meaning if an event is triggered you will receive a notification on your phone straight away.

Keep Valuables & Gifts Out of Sight

Around Christmas time, criminals know that your house is likely to be filled with brand new goods and valuables.

Whether wrapped or unwrapped, don’t store any presents in places where they can be easily seen or found. If you keep your gifts under the Christmas tree, try to keep them away from windows or other places with a view, leaving expensive presents in plain sight works as an advertisement to potential burglars providing them with an additional incentive to attempt breaking into your home.

Also, with more and more people doing their Christmas shopping online, if you’re expecting a delivery, make sure someone in the house or a neighbour is there to receive it. Don’t give permission for packages to be left on the door step or anywhere visible, where an opportunist thief could get a hold of it.

Disposing of gift packaging

You might think that Christmas Eve is the peak for burglaries but don’t ignore the risks up to New Year too. If you are unable to take packaging to a recycling point, make sure you only put your rubbish out just before the collection, the packaging or branded boxes from any expensive gifts you received such as laptops, TV’s or phones will also attract the attention of thieves.

From us at Highlander Security Systems, we hope you have a great Christmas and a happy New Year.

If you would like more information on any of our security systems, then please don’t hesitate to get in contact with us, we are available 24/7. Whether it is intruder alarm systems, CCTV camera systems or fire alarm systems, we can help you find the perfect solution for your home and your budget.

Highlander Security Systems provides tailored intruder alarm systems, CCTV camera and fire alarm systems to homes and businesses. Our broad range of security system options ensure clients receive exactly what they require: high quality security systems installed in a professional, timely manner. We provide installation, repairs and maintenance for all types of security systems – burglar alarms, CCTV camera security systems, fire alarms etc. With years of experience in security and fire protection, you can rest assured the team at Highlander Security Systems can fulfil your security needs to the highest standards. Our office is based in Troon; however, we service Kilmarnock, Ayr, Ayrshire, and the South West and Central belt of Scotland.