How To Prevent a Holiday Season Home Burglary in Mission Viejo

Obviously, you want to protect your home against burglary year-round. But thieves know homes in Mission Viejo and across the Central Valley are often filled with new gifts, cash, and other expensive items during the holidays. Extra awareness and security are worth it.

Protect yourself and your belongings (and maybe even save on your insurance premiums) with these simple precautions.

When you’re away during the day or evening

• Lock all doors and windows whenever you leave the house, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Leave on a few lights and a radio or TV, or use smart plugs on a schedule.
• Keep your porch clear of package deliveries. Porch piracy is common this time of year, so set up delivery alerts, use a package locker or pickup point, or ask a neighbor to grab deliveries for you.
• Keep your curtains closed so would-be thieves can’t see inside, and don’t put expensive gifts near windows, which could invite a smash-and-grab.
• Don’t leave spare keys hidden outside. Give them to a trusted neighbor instead.
• Put away ladders and tools that could be used to break in, and lock side gates and sheds.

When you’re home

• Keep your doors and windows locked, even when you’re home.
• Be wary of strangers at your door. Criminals sometimes pose as charity workers or delivery drivers.
• If you have a garage, pull your car inside and close the door before you unload gifts. Thieves have been known to follow shoppers home from busy shopping centers. If you don’t have a garage, keep your car locked while you carry packages inside, even if you’ll be right back.
• Never leave gifts or shopping bags visible in your parked car.
• After the holidays, be careful about how you throw away packaging from expensive gifts. Break down the boxes and turn them plain side out for the recycling bin.

When you’re traveling

• Don’t post about upcoming trips on social media. Wait until you get home to share photos.
• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home and park in the driveway from time to time.
• Hold your mail and newspaper deliveries so they don’t pile up.
• Use timers or smart lights so it looks like someone is home.
• Check whether your local police department or neighborhood watch offers vacation house checks.

Devices that make your home safer, such as deadbolt locks, video doorbells, cameras, and monitored security systems, may be a smart investment. Many insurance companies offer discounts for qualifying security devices.

No matter how careful you are, if a burglar wants to get in, they may find a way. That’s why insuring your property against theft is important. You may need additional coverage for special items like expensive jewelry, collectibles, or antiques. And if you’re on the California FAIR Plan, remember it doesn’t cover theft on its own. You’ll need a separate Difference in Conditions policy for that protection.

Having the right homeowners or renters insurance is one of the best gifts you can give yourself this holiday season. Contact us to make sure your policy is up to date, and ask about discounts for security devices.