Planning a holiday getaway from Irvine, Coto de Caza, or Aliso Viejo? While you're dreaming of a white Christmas, burglars are dreaming of an empty house. With simple steps, you can safeguard your Orange County home and enjoy peace of mind during the holidays. Ready to make your home untouchable? Here’s how.
1. Make It Look Like You’re Home (Even When You’re Not)
Think turning off every light and shutting every blind is enough? Thieves can spot an empty home a mile away. Give them something else to think about. Use smart home technology to keep lights turning on and off in random patterns. Set up timers for lamps in different rooms to go off at varying times. In Newport Beach? Set a timer for outdoor lights, making it look like you’re back from a day at the beach.
2. Deadbolt and Reinforce Everything
Your door locks are only as strong as their reinforcements. Swap out standard deadbolts for reinforced options, and make sure strike plates are secured with at least 3-inch screws. And don’t stop at the front door—secure the garage, the side gates, and those often-forgotten sliding doors. A heavy-duty rod in the track can block a sliding door from being pried open. Extra tip: If you’re in a neighborhood like Coto de Caza with side yards, make sure all side gates are locked.
3. Invest in Security Cameras and Alarms
Orange County has no shortage of high-tech security systems, and this is the time to invest. Motion-activated cameras by your entrances are your first line of defense. Install cameras with a mobile app so you can monitor activity live. Set up alerts, too, so you’re notified of any movement. Thieves hate being on camera—let that work in your favor.
4. Use Motion-Activated Lights to Catch Them Off Guard
Thieves prefer the cover of darkness, so light up key areas like the front yard, backyard, and any blind spots. Motion-activated floodlights can make any trespasser rethink their life choices. Live in Aliso Viejo or Laguna Niguel, where properties often have winding paths or lush landscaping? Install lights along walkways or near dense hedges where intruders could hide.
5. Stop the Mail, Newspapers, and Packages
Nothing says “we’re gone for a while” like a stuffed mailbox and packages stacked on the doorstep. Don’t risk it. Place your mail on hold with USPS and delay any non-essential packages. Worried about missing deliveries? Opt for an Amazon Locker or a UPS store pickup. They’ll hold your packages until you’re back.
6. Ask a Friend or Neighbor to Lend a Hand
In friendly neighborhoods like Irvine or Mission Viejo, neighbors are often happy to keep an eye out. Ask a trusted neighbor to park in your driveway every now and then or check on your home. This simple act can add a layer of security—and if anything unusual happens, you’ll know immediately. Bonus: Ask them to pull your garbage cans to the curb on collection day, so everything looks business as usual.
7. Trim Bushes and Shrubs That Could Hide Intruders
Your landscaping could be a burglar’s best friend if it offers good hiding spots. Do a walk-around of your property: Are there dense bushes around windows or tall hedges by entryways? Trim them down to eliminate blind spots and ensure clear visibility. In neighborhoods like Aliso Viejo, where lush, leafy landscapes are common, taking this step can make a world of difference.
8. Secure All Sliding Doors and Windows
It’s easy to overlook the small windows in bathrooms, garages, and basements, but don’t. Thieves know these are often left unlocked. Go through each window and double-check the locks. Sliding glass doors? Add a rod or heavy-duty dowel in the track to stop anyone from forcing it open. This isn’t just extra precaution—it’s a must.
9. Skip Social Media Until You’re Back
Tempted to post that perfect beach pic or the holiday lights from a new city? Don’t. Social media oversharing is a common way thieves know who’s out of town. Keep your vacation private until you’re back in Orange County. When you’re home safe, then share those memories to your heart’s content.
10. Invest in a Safe for Valuables
Even with all these precautions, consider investing in a safe for important items. Jewelry, documents, electronics, or cash should be secured in a fireproof, waterproof safe. If someone does manage to break in, at least they won’t have easy access to your most prized possessions. Look for safes that are too heavy to carry or bolt it to the ground. Think of it as the final layer of security.
Your Peace of Mind Matters
In Orange County, holiday getaways shouldn’t come with the stress of wondering if your home is safe. With a few precautions—timed lights, reinforced locks, trusted neighbors—you can enjoy every minute of your Christmas vacation, knowing your home is protected. At The DeBlis Group, we know that peace of mind is priceless. Enjoy your holiday, Orange County.
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