Keep the Joy of the Holidays in and the Grinches Out with These Security Tips

The holiday season brings warmth, togetherness, and festive spirit. But while neighbors are exchanging cookies and celebrating, there’s also the unfortunate risk of unwanted “visitors” like porch pirates (people who steal packages from the intended recipient’s porch) and vandals. In bustling communities, package theft and holiday mischief tend to spike, especially as online orders increase. To keep your community’s holiday spirit intact, here are some simple, proactive ways to secure shared spaces and protect residents from common holiday security concerns. 

Keep Porch Pirates at Bay: Simple Tips to Safeguard Packages 

Discouraging porch pirates from targeting your community is all about visibility and easy access to secure storage. In addition to establishing secure delivery areas and installing security cameras, consider scheduling regular reminders during peak delivery times, such as weekly alerts, to encourage prompt package collection. 

For residents who may be away for the holidays, offer options to hold packages securely in a monitored parcel room or suggest they coordinate with trusted neighbors. You could even look into temporary “smart lockers” or app-based solutions that notify residents instantly when a package arrives, minimizing unattended packages. 

For communities that experience frequent deliveries, it might also help to partner with local delivery companies to explore options for bundled deliveries at certain times, limiting exposure to package theft during late evening hours. These added steps not only increase security but foster a collaborative spirit within the community. 

Brighten Up Your Security: Holiday Lighting and Surveillance Tips 

Increased holiday foot traffic and gatherings make security measures more important this time of year, especially in shared spaces. Adding holiday lighting can brighten up the community in more ways than one—lights placed strategically around parking areas, entrances, and other common spaces add both festive flair and an extra layer of security. A well-lit community can go a long way toward deterring theft and vandalism, as visible surveillance is often a deterrent on its own.

Ensure all existing surveillance cameras are fully functional and consider adding extra lighting in areas that tend to be less visible, especially around parking lots and entry points. Whether through seasonal lighting or permanent security lights, these measures make it easier for residents to feel safe. 

Illuminate and Secure: Lighting That Protects Your Community 

Festive lighting isn’t just for decoration—it can be a security asset, too. Consider motion-activated lights in parking areas, along walkways, and near entry points. These lights, while practical, can also be a welcome festive touch, adding a layer of safety while enhancing the holiday atmosphere. With well-lit entry points and communal spaces, you’ll create a community that feels both safe and welcoming. 

Spread the Word: Communicate Security Measures with Your Residents 

As with any community initiative, clear communication with residents is key. Use newsletters, emails, or social media updates to inform residents of new security measures and provide reminders to help them protect their own homes during the holidays. From Christmas holiday safety tips to instructions on how to keep packages from being stolen, these updates make it easier for everyone to feel secure. 

Consider using online community boards or automated text alerts to share reminders about security, package pickup, and any upcoming neighborhood watch initiatives. Encouraging residents to stay vigilant and follow security guidelines builds a stronger, more connected community. 

Stay Connected: Easy Ways to Share Security Tips and Updates   

To keep residents engaged and invested, try incorporating interactive elements into your updates. Conduct short polls or surveys on your online community board to understand residents’ specific security concerns or host a virtual Q&A on holiday safety tips. Regularly sharing real-time information, like weather-related updates or alerts for unusual activity, helps residents stay prepared and feel connected to the community. This active communication fosters a heightened sense of security and keeps everyone informed and ready to enjoy a worry-free season.