Homebuilding Insights

Editor’s Note (Updated 2025): The holiday season brings joy, celebration, and—unfortunately—higher opportunities for theft. To help keep your home and family protected, we’ve updated this post with simple, effective holiday security tips every homeowner should know.

Another holiday season has begun, and we’re right in the middle of one of the most active criminal periods of the year. Even the most exclusive communities can experience an uptick in local crime during this season of “goodwill to men.” At Ernest Homes, we want to help protect our residents and keep everyone as safe as possible. These tips will help keep your holidays merry, bright, and secure.

Package Theft – It Can Happen to Anyone

Unattended packages left on doorsteps, “surprise” gifts left in mailboxes, and unlocked vehicles filled with shopping bags can be irresistible for opportunistic thieves known as porch pirates.

Try these preventative measures:

• Install security devices such as a Ring Doorbell or exterior cameras to deter theft.
• Have packages delivered to a trusted neighbor, friend, or workplace if possible.
• Use tracking apps from UPS, FedEx, or USPS to monitor deliveries.
• Break down and conceal empty boxes to avoid advertising high-value purchases.

You can also track multiple carriers on one site using tools like trackpackagequick.com.

Keep Your Car Secure

Criminals often look for easy opportunities—especially in driveways, parking lots, and busy shopping centers. Protect your vehicle and belongings with these steps:

• Remove shopping bags, purses, backpacks, or valuables every time you exit your vehicle.
• Always lock your car—even in your own driveway.
• Keep registration and insurance in your wallet or purse instead of the glove box.
• Take your garage door opener with you instead of leaving it inside the car.
• Ensure the interior door between your home and garage stays locked.

Away for the Holidays?

If you’ll be gone for more than a day or two, take precautions to make your home look lived-in and secure while you're away.

• Use light timers to make your home appear occupied.
• Set your home alarm system and notify your monitoring company.
• Let a trusted neighbor or family member know your travel dates.
• Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway.
• Provide an emergency contact list and spare key to a trusted person (never hide keys outside).
• Avoid sharing travel plans or real-time vacation updates on social media.

Even with these precautions, no security measure is completely foolproof. However, taking these steps will greatly reduce your chances of experiencing package theft or home intrusion during the holidays. Stay safe, stay aware, and enjoy a wonderful holiday season!