Lights, dogs, signs, systems: Experts share ways to deter holiday home burglars

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

December is one of the peak times for home break-ins and burglaries, according to FBI statistics.

In Columbia, there are nearly 500 burglaries a year, according to the most recent available numbers from the FBI, and nationwide there are over 1 million burglaries every year. But you can make your home less appealing to robbers while out of town this holiday season.

According to Columbia Police Dispatch records, there were 21 burglary calls in December as of Wednesday. That's already more than the 17 burglary calls made all of December 2022.

Jefferson City Police records show there were 10 burglary calls in December as of Wednesday, and 13 in December 2022.

Lt. David Williams with Jefferson City Police said the best way to protect your home is to make it look like it's not empty.

"Make sure that you don't leave too many clues that you're away from your home," Williams said.

Williams also said not to advertise your trips or valuables online. Try using "close friends" features to only share that information with trusted friends.

"Don't advertise the things that you've gotten or the things that you purchased because that may in fact  want people to break into your home even more," Williams said.

Deterring a burglary

Security company ADT shares some tips for making your home less attractive to burglaries. Things like a big and loud dog and leaving the lights on may deter a burglar, according to ADT, but also may not. Burglars will almost always knock or ring the doorbell before trying to enter, according to ADT.

Here are some ideas ADT shares to deter burglars from your home:

• Set your lights on a timer, or use a smart home system to turn lights on and off
• Consider a "Beware of Dog" sign
• Use a security system

The National Neighborhood Watch suggests getting to know your neighbors to help prevent break-ins. You may ask a neighbor or friend to watch your home and collect packages while you're out of town.

Here are the National Neighborhood Watch's tips for preventing break-ins:

• Make sure all exterior doors and windows have secondary locks
• Put lights on all dark corners outside
• Don't put keys in mailboxes or under doormats
• Place gifts away from windows
• Remove all valuables from your car, even when it's in your driveway

Most home break-ins happen in the summer, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. There are about 11% fewer home break-ins during the winter than in summer, the bureau reports.