Winter Home Security Tips to Protect Your Home This Season

Why Winter Home Security Matters in Ireland

Winter brings darker evenings, longer nights and often an increase in burglary attempts. Homeowners are particularly vulnerable during this season, making winter security tips a priority. Simple steps like locking doors, closing windows, managing keys, and installing monitored alarms can make a huge difference.

In particular, parents may be more concerned about their children’s safety after school at this time of the year. It’s vital to educate children on safety rules at home, so that they too can practice winter security tips and stay safe.

Understanding Winter Burglary Trends

Statistics show that burglary rates rise during winter months. Burglars take advantage of early darkness and empty homes. According to Central Statistic Offices recorded crime data, burglaries increased by 15% in 2024 in the winter months compared to the combined months of April, May and June. By following winter home security tips, you can reduce risks and keep your family safe.

Essential Winter Home Security Tips

1. Lock Windows and Doors Properly

Always double‑check doors are locked before leaving your home and make sure windows are closed. Modern Contact and Shock Detectors are placed on doors and windows and alert you via an app and an Alarm Receiving Centre team if anyone comes into contact with them.

2. Secure and Manage House Keys

Avoid leaving spare keys under mats or flowerpots. Instead, entrust them to a neighbour or use a secure lockbox.

3. Use Smart Lighting and Smart Plugs to Make Your Home Look Occupied

Smart plugs can create the illusion of activity, deterring burglars from entering your home during long winter nights. Smart plugs have become advanced and you can even schedule your lights or appliances to turn on and off at specific times on certain days.

4. Protect Your Valuables

Burglars are opportunistic and will risk breaking into a home if they see expensive items on display. Keep valuables out of sight and consider a safe for jewellery or important documents.

5. Ask a Neighbour for Help When Away

Neighbours can collect post, manage bins and keep an eye on your property.

6. Install and Use a Monitored Alarm System

A monitored alarm provides 24/7 protection and immediate response, giving you complete peace of mind whether you’re at home or away. A home alarm comes with an app, whereby you can remotely control your home security. Discover the Benefits of Monitored Home Alarm Systems and why they are worth the investment and a key part of effective winter home security tips.

Extra Winter Security Tips for Christmas

The festive season requires extra vigilance. These security tips will help you enjoy celebrations without any Christmas home security worries. Having a monitored alarm and using it while you’re at home or away keeps you safe and gives you peace of mind. Even Santa can’t get passed PhoneWatch’s home security system.

 Effectively Manage Deliveries

Christmas is a busy gift buying season, a lot of people tend to receive more online deliveries than they usually would. Therefore, it’s beneficial to arrange for parcels to be delivered when you’re home if possible. Or even ask a neighbour to take in your deliveries. If you have a video doorbell camera, it would be perfect for alerting you when packages arrive, and you can talk to the delivery driver via your connected home security app.

Monitor Christmas Lights Usage with Smart Plugs

Smart plugs help control energy usage and reduce fire risks. With some smart plugs, such as PhoneWatch smart plugs you can even set up schedules, so lights switch on if the alarm is activated, providing visibility and acting as a deterrent to intruders, which is one of the most effective home security tips for Christmas. Your smart plugs adapt to your daily routine, which is particularly helpful at Christmas, as you may have decorative lights left on. If you have smart plugs, you can plug your Christmas tree lights into it and manage the lighting, so you never have to worry about it overheating and starting a fire.

Inspect Fireplaces and Chimney

The nights are cold and it’s lovely to have a cozy fire going at Christmas time, but regular fireplace and chimney maintenance and cleaning is essential and prevents hazards and unwanted fire incidents.

Don’t Share Your Holiday Plans on Social Media

Christmas is a wonderful time where we get to visit family and friends that we haven’t seen in a while, but don’t post pictures on social media while you’re away, as it can alert potential burglars that your home is empty.

Protect Against Burst Pipes

Cold weather can cause pipes to freeze and burst. Installing a Water Leakage Detector is another way to strengthen Christmas home security, as it will alert you of early warnings signs of flooding before it can cause damage and become costly.

Don’t Leave Presents in Open View

Keep gifts away from windows where they may be visible to potential burglars. For added protection, installing a house alarm and arming in day and night will keep you and your family safer.

For more advice, check out our security tips for Christmas video.

Final Thoughts on Staying Safe This Winter

By combining winter home security tips with Christmas home security strategies, you can protect your home, family and belongings. Prevention is always better than cure, and small steps make a big difference.

For more seasonal advice, on how to keep your home safe from burglary and smoke incidents at Christmas click here.

FAQs About Winter Home Security & Safety Tips

What deters burglars the most?

Visible deterrents such as monitored alarms, CCTV and smart lighting are highly effective.

How to secure your house when on holiday?

Lock all entry points, use timers for lights and ask a neighbour to check in on your home.

What are the security tips for Christmas?

Manage deliveries, avoid advertising travel plans on social media, secure presents, inspect fireplaces and chimneys to ensure they’re clean, protect against burst pipes and follow security tips for Christmas to keep your home safe.