Hogmanay is a hopeful time, full of promises and possibility of what the new year will bring, but for criminals, it's prime time for burgling.
As we ring the bells with friends and family, the night is rife with opportunity. Plenty of houses will sit empty on Hogmanay, but that doesn't mean households can't take extra steps to protect their home.
Fortunately, Anthony Neary, the managing director of security retailer, safe.co.uk, has spoken to former convicts to reveal what the key signs are that draw a burglar to a home, plus advice for protecting your abode when you're out this Hogmanay.
Repeat business
After visiting a house previously, a burglar states that it is likely they will strike there again: "Burglars come back to the same houses quite often."
He explained: "They do this because of a number of motives. It's guaranteed that the people they robbed replaced the items they stole the first time, and often these replacements are of better quality than the original."
To which Anthony added: "Thieves know the layout of a house they have previously burgled so will use this knowledge to their advantage, and at New Year this can lead them to escape with lots of valuables in a streamlined and clinical robbery. For anyone that has been a victim, make sure that there is added security in place such as CCTV and burglar alarms."
Plans on social media
"I used Facebook to see when people would be away, you won't believe how many post on social media about visiting family for a few days," shared an ex-burglar.
Anthony states that social media can be a bane for anyone that is away, adding: "When celebrating New Year and visiting friends or family, don't advertise that your house is unoccupied
"Post pictures of the big event once you have returned or a burglar will have optimum time to plan their theft. This includes geotagging on stories, as a thief can work out how far away you are from home and know you will be preoccupied until well after midnight."
Exterior lights
One ex-burglar revealed what puts them off most: "I'd always skip the house with big outdoor security lights, areas that are dark and shadowed are much easier to target."
Anthony recommends turning on any exterior lights at night where possible.
"A house in the dark could appeal to a burglar as it looks like nobody is in the property, especially with Christmas lights up right now, this makes it obvious that the owner is asleep or not at home," he said. "To deter or startle burglars, security lights are an essential purchase for New Year's Eve as this will alert neighbours to activity.
Valuables onsite
Christmas gifts are often scattered all over the house after the holiday, which might not be wise.
One burglar said: "People love to show off their decorations and trees, and that includes having gifts that can easily be spotted through a window."
Anthony commented: "Houses are full of new and often valuable items which are usually kept in obvious places around the house for a good few days after Christmas.
"If a burglar catches sight they will take their chance as they know they can lift tens of gifts and be gone in seconds. If attending a New Year's Eve party we strongly recommend taking extra precautions to make sure gifts are out of view."
Support from neighbours
With lots of noise and celebrations on the night, a former burglar described how it can be much easier to break into a property: "People don't realise that nobody will hear a break in, mistaking unknown people for party goers and thinking noises are fireworks."
Anthony added: "If you are away for a few days over the Christmas and New Year period, make sure you alert neighbours so they will keep an eye out on your home. Due to the commotion, it can be hard to keep a property protected but at least you have the peace of mind someone is paying attention for you."
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