Keep Your New Toys Safe in the New Year

Pay Attention to Your Exterior Door Locks 

The holidays may be over, but you should still gift yourself one more time with strong new locks for your exterior doors. If your current locks are older or showing their age, the security of a better set is worth the investment.

Newer lock technology offers a multitude of styles and features your older sets may lack. And, more advanced locks are often more difficult for burglars to pick.

If you feel your exterior locks are up to the challenge of a potential break-in, they could probably stand to be inspected periodically. Look for loose, wobbly handles and hardware and tighten if necessary. You might consider a complete  re-key  to limit the likelihood that someone may enter your home with an old key.

Keep Windows Covered 

Were you an avid holiday decorator who kept the windows uncovered to show off a glowing Christmas tree? Now, keep your windows covered at night as well as during the day to keep window shoppers away.



Burglars like to glance inside the windows with open blinds or curtains to check out potential targets. When they see something they like - such as your new flat screen TV or electric guitar - they add your home to their list. When the burglar believes no one is home, they may enter you home and grab your new toys.

Be Suspicious of Door to Door Sellers 

If burglars can't look in your windows for a preview, they may be bold enough to knock on your door first. Often unscrupulous people pose as sales people or service providers in order to scope out the interior of your home. It's even better for them if you invite them in to chat about the services they offer while they scramble to take mental notes of your possessions.



When someone knocks on your door, don't answer the door if you do not recognize them. If you are expecting a service call, ask for a business card first before you let them in. Be suspicious if someone seems pushy or eager to step inside your home. Call the police if they cannot provide a business card or they act overly aggressive.

Don't Advertise Your Garbage

Large quantities of boxes and other packaging material leftover from the holidays can be difficult to throw away properly. You might still have items to discard well into January. To keep potential burglars from catching a glimpse of what toys and electronics are inside your home, don't advertise via your garbage can.



Don't place empty TV or gaming system boxes into the trash for thieves to recognize. Instead, cut those valuable boxes down into smaller pieces. Then, dispose of any revealing packaging in big black garbage bags. If this is not possible, consider throwing away boxes in a dumpster far from your home.

Edit Your Social Media

Facebook and Instagram are great ways to tell friends and family about your wonderful new gifts. Unfortunately, thieves can use your social media to learn about your new purchases as well. When word spreads about your expensive acquisitions, your home could become a target.



Heavily edit your social media posts and limit the information you share with others. True friends and family can hear about your joyous new toys in person or on the phone instead.

When you want to resolve to make your home safer from burglars, visit SCSC Southern California Security Centers Inc. We can provide new door locks, re-keys, and discuss your options for home security systems.