Stop the Grinch! Common Holiday Break-In Tactics (and How to Stop Them)

The holiday season is a time of joy, family, and celebration, but it also opens a window of opportunity for amateur thieves and professional burglars. Keep reading if you want to find out the most common holiday break-in tactics used to gain access to homes during this season.

Whether you’re heading out of town for the holidays or enjoying festive gatherings at home, it’s important to stay alert.

At Strand Security, we’re committed to helping homeowners and businesses along the Grand Strand protect what matters.

We know you don’t want anyone in your home, whether you’re home or away. You want to protect your family and your assets. We get it. Here are six common holiday break-in tactics burglars use to gain access to your home.

Be prepared!

1. Homes left dark and empty

Holiday travel, late nights out, (We love going to Brookgreen Gardens’ Night of a Thousand Candles) and busy schedules can leave houses quiet and empty. That makes a home a prime target for burglary. Criminals often scout for inactivity, darkness, or an uninviting driveway.

How to fight back:

• Use timers or smart‑home lighting so lights come on/off even when you’re away.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to pick up mail and packages, and maybe park in your driveway occasionally.
• Keep blinds or curtains closed so passersby can’t easily peek inside.

2. Unsecured doors and windows

Statistics show that many break-ins happen through front doors or easily accessible first-floor windows. Sliding glass doors, unlocked windows, or weak door locks make it easy for intruders.

Prevention steps:

• Always lock doors and windows — including sliding doors and garage entries — even if you’re just stepping out for a few minutes.
• Add security upgrades: consider lock reinforcements, sash pins for windows, or security film to strengthen glass.
• Use window and door sensors as part of your security system for added protection.

3. Visible valuables, holiday gifts, or package buildup

New televisions, electronics, gifts under the tree, or stacks of packages on the porch can advertise what’s inside. Thieves pay close attention during the holidays.

What to do:

• Keep costly gifts, electronics, and packages out of plain view: don’t leave them near windows.
• Break down and recycle or conceal empty boxes rather than leaving them curbside.
• Use a secure delivery option or have packages sent to a trusted friend if you’ll be away.

4. Oversharing on social media or maintaining predictable routines

Posting your travel plans or vacation photos while still away, or always leaving the house at the same time each day, can give criminals a clear window to act.

Better practices:

• Wait until you’re back home to post vacation photos.
• Vary your daily routines when possible (lights on/off at irregular times).
• Don’t broadcast that your home will be unoccupied; treat social media like public announcements.

5. Poor outdoor security: darkness and hiding spots

Dimly-lit exteriors, overgrown shrubs near windows, and lack of motion‑activated lights create ideal cover for burglars to work under the radar.

Enhance outdoor safety:

• Install motion‑sensor or smart lights around entry points, driveways, and pathways.
• Trim bushes, trees, or shrubs near windows and doors to eliminate hiding spots.
• Maintain a tidy yard and clear sight lines, even when you’re busy prepping for the holidays.

6. Holiday distractions: deliveries, guests, and more traffic

More packages, holiday guests, strangers (like fundraisers or delivery people), or extra vehicle traffic can mask suspicious behavior or make it easier for intruders to scout the property unnoticed.

What you can do:

• Screen visitors, even if they claim to be delivery persons or solicitors.
• Keep keys, ladder tools, or other entry‑facilitating gear (like ladders) locked away and out of sight.
• Use smart technology or a professionally monitored security system so activity is tracked whether you’re home or not.

Counteracting These Most Common Holiday Break-In Tactics

Now it’s up to you.

We know that holiday break-ins aren’t just a risk. It’s real life, and when it happens to you, it’s devastating. We see this more than we like, as we are often called in the aftermath of a break-in. It’s always a sad and upsetting time for the families affected, and especially during the holiday season, break-ins can have long-lasting, devastating effects on the mental well-being of a family.

How Strand Security Helps You Keep the Grinch Away

At Strand Security, we know that holiday break-ins are a preventable challenge.

Our team offers customized home and commercial security solutions across the Grand Strand, from smart sensors and motion-activated lighting to robust door/window sensors and professional monitoring.

We believe that with smart planning and a little surface-level vigilance, you don’t have to compromise your holiday spirit for safety.

If you’re getting ready to travel this season or just want extra peace of mind, reach out to us. Let’s help ensure your home or business stays safe, secure, and festive, with nothing stolen but holiday cheer.