How to keep Christmas presents safe

The festive season is a time of joy, celebration, and gift-giving. However, amidst the festivities, you’ll want to ensure your home is safe and secure - particularly if you have presents under the Christmas tree. 

With an expected 18,540 burglaries predicted across the UK this December, taking precautions to safeguard your gifts can’t hurt. Plus, the presence of flammable materials such as wrapping paper and decorations, may increase the risk of fire hazards around the home. Ensuring the proper storage and placement of presents can help lower these risks and provide peace of mind, allowing you to fully embrace the festivities to come.

In this guide, we’ll explore various ways to keep your presents secure, from deterring burglars to minimising fire risks. By implementing these measures, you can enjoy a worry-free festive season, knowing that your thoughtfully chosen gifts are protected and ready to bring smiles to your loved ones' faces.

1. Secure your home

Home security should be a top priority during the holiday season when burglars know that many homes are filled with new and valuable gifts. Implementing a comprehensive home security system may help act as a deterrent against potential break-ins. Consider investing in a reliable system that includes door and window sensors, motion detectors, and loud alarms such as our Bell Box, to alert you and your neighbours in case of an intrusion.

In addition to a security system, it's crucial to ensure that all entry points to your home are properly secured. Inspect all doors and windows to ensure they are in good working condition and that their locks are functioning correctly. Replace any outdated or faulty locks with high-quality, tamper-resistant models. If you have sliding glass doors or windows, you could install additional security locks to prevent them from being forced open.

2. Install outdoor lighting

Outdoor lighting can also play a significant role in deterring burglars. Well-lit areas around your home's exterior make it more difficult for intruders to approach undetected. Consider installing porch lights that automatically illuminate when movement is detected, making it harder for burglars to hide in the shadows. If you're not sure where to begin, read our guide to porch lighting to help you get started.

3. Mimic occupancy

As part of your overall home security checklist - don't overlook the importance of simple deterrents like keeping your home looking occupied, even when you're away. Use timers to turn lights on and off at regular intervals, and ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail and newspapers while you're gone. These small steps can make a big difference in discouraging potential burglars from targeting your home.

4. Hide your presents

During the festive season, it's not just burglars you need to worry about when it comes to keeping presents safe. You also need to be wary of prying eyes within your own household! 

Curious family members, especially children, may try to snoop around and uncover their gifts before the big day. To prevent this, it's important to have a well-thought-out plan for hiding presents effectively.

One of the best strategies is to store presents in unconventional places that no one would think to look at. Attics, home offices, and unused cupboards can be great hiding spots, especially if you can tuck gifts away behind boxes or other items. If you have a large enough garage or shed, these can also work well, just be sure to keep presents out of sight.

Another clever tactic is to disguise presents by repackaging them in plain boxes or bags. This way, even if someone does stumble upon them, they won't be able to easily identify what's inside. You could also use an entry sensor if presents are hidden in a cupboard or place an indoor camera nearby to keep look out.

5. Safe storage first

Beyond the threat of burglary, there are other risks to consider when it comes to keeping presents safe during the festive season. Improper storage and placement can lead to potential fire hazards - which is certainly not ideal.

One of the main concerns is keeping presents away from heat sources such as fireplaces, space heaters, and even candles can pose a significant fire risk if presents are placed too close. Always maintain a safe distance between gifts and any potential ignition sources. We’d recommend you avoid stacking presents near radiators or heating vents, as the heat buildup could potentially ignite wrapping paper or other flammable materials. If you want to be extra safe, a smoke detector can help detect smoke before a fire happens. Plus, when coupled with a professional monitoring system, our monitoring centre will be notified of the potential danger. Upon visual verification of a fire, they can dispatch emergency services to your home immediately, even if you’re not there.

When it comes to stacking and organising presents, avoid precarious piles, as this can lead to them toppling over and potentially causing injury or damage. Instead, stack presents in a stable and organised fashion, ensuring that heavier items are placed at the bottom and lighter ones on top. It's also advisable to consider the placement of presents in relation to high-traffic areas or pathways. Keeping gifts out of walkways and doorways not only reduces the risk of tripping hazards but also helps prevent accidental damage or displacement of the presents.

6. Security cameras

Installing wireless indoor video cameras can provide an extra layer of security for protecting your presents (and yourself) during the holiday season. Strategically placed cameras can monitor all entry points to your home, as well as areas where presents are stored or displayed.

Outdoor cameras can also allow you to keep an eye on your front door, driveway, and any packages left outside. Motion detection alerts can notify you immediately if someone approaches, deterring potential thieves. Indoor cameras can monitor high-traffic areas like the living room or hallways, ensuring no one tampers with gifts under the tree or in other hiding spots.

Though not to be taken at face value, sometimes, the mere presence of visible security cameras can act as a powerful deterrent, making would-be burglars think twice before attempting to steal your presents or break into your home. Combining video surveillance with other security measures like alarms and sensors can create a comprehensive system to protect your family and belongings during the festive season.

7. Christmas present safety outside of the home

When transporting presents during the holiday season, it's crucial to take extra precautions to prevent theft or damage. Burglars may be on the lookout for vehicles loaded with gifts, especially around shopping centres and retail parks. Here are some tips to keep your presents secure whilst on the move:

• Never leave gifts visible inside your vehicle, even for a short period.

• Rather than carrying gifts in their original, easily recognisable packaging, consider transferring them to plain bags, backpacks, or containers. This can help conceal the contents.

• When possible, park your vehicle in well-lit and populated areas. 

• It may seem obvious, but always remember to lock your vehicle's doors and close all windows, even if you're only stepping away for a moment. Thieves can quickly access an unlocked car and steal any valuables inside.

• When loading or unloading presents from your vehicle, stay alert and watch for any suspicious activity or individuals in the area. If you feel unsafe, consider asking for assistance or returning at a different time.

• When arriving home with presents, be cautious and survey the area before exiting your vehicle. If you notice any suspicious activity or individuals loitering, consider driving away and returning at a different time or seeking assistance from law enforcement.

• It's also wise to avoid advertising your newly acquired gifts or their locations on social media until after the holidays. Sharing such information publicly could potentially attract unwanted attention from burglars.

Remember, your personal safety should always be the top priority. If you ever feel threatened or in danger, don't hesitate to seek help from local authorities or remove yourself from the situation immediately.

We hope this guide has given you lots of ideas to keep your presents safe over the festive season. For more home security tips, bookmark the SimpliSafe blog for more helpful articles.