December in Australia means sunshine, road trips, and family holidays — but it’s also peak season for home burglaries. Around one in twenty Australian homes experiences a break‑in or attempted break‑in each year, and reports can spike by up to 20% during the summer holidays when many homes sit empty.
Whether you live in a house, townhouse, or apartment, being away for days or weeks can leave your home vulnerable. With a few practical, low‑cost steps, you can travel knowing your home is safe and looked after.
Why Christmas is peak burglary season
Australia slows down dramatically in late December. Millions of people head interstate, visit family, or take long overseas trips. Quiet streets, dark windows, and overflowing mailboxes make it obvious when nobody is home. Couriers continue delivering packages, often leaving them in plain sight. Even safe‑feeling neighbourhoods change during the holidays — fewer residents mean fewer eyes watching for suspicious behaviour.
What burglars look for
Burglars rarely choose homes at random. They look for clear signs of absence:
- Overflowing letterboxes
- Bins left out for days
- Curtains closed 24/7
- No lights on after dark
- Packages piling up at the door
- Social media posts showing travel
More than 60% of burglars enter through unlocked doors or windows. Sliding doors and garages are common weak points. Most break‑ins take less than five minutes, which means visible deterrents matter more than expensive systems.
Make your home look lived‑in
Your goal isn’t to fortify your home — it’s to simulate normal activity.
Use light timers or smart bulbs
Set lights to turn on at dusk and off late at night. Choose rooms visible from outside, such as living areas or entryways. A motion‑sensor light near doors deters anyone snooping around.
Keep curtains in their usual position
Fully closed blinds during the day look suspicious. If you trust a neighbour, ask them to adjust curtains occasionally to mimic normal patterns.
Manage your bins
Bins left out for days signal an empty home. Ask a neighbour to move them on and off the curb. If you leave before bin night, place a small amount of rubbish inside so they don’t look unused.
Hold or redirect your mail
Australia Post’s Mail Hold service is ideal for holidays longer than a week. Ask someone to clear your letterbox regularly and avoid home deliveries before you travel.
Use driveway activity
A car in the driveway — yours or a neighbour’s — is a powerful deterrent. Even tyre marks or occasional movement suggests someone is home.
Secure doors, windows, and garages
Front and back doors are the most common entry points. Use solid deadbolts, double locks, and lockable screen doors. Sliding doors benefit from security bars or wooden dowels in the tracks.
Lock every window, including upper floors. Install security screens or window blockers where possible.
Garages are often overlooked. Unplug automatic openers if you’ll be away for long periods and lock the internal door to the house. Secure sheds as well — tools stored there can be used to break in.
Never hide spare keys outside
Burglars know every hiding spot: under mats, inside pot plants, behind hoses. Give your spare key to a trusted neighbour instead.
| Feature | The “Vacant” Look (Risk) | The “Occupied” Look (Safe) |
| Bins | Left on the curb for 3+ days. | Brought in within 12 hours of collection. |
| Driveway | Completely empty and swept clean. | A car (yours or a neighbour’s) parked. |
| Mailbox | Stuffed with local flyers and letters. | Empty; junk mail removed by a friend. |
| Curtains | Fully drawn for 2 weeks straight. | Varied positions or smart-motorized movement. |
Use smart home technology wisely
Modern security tech is affordable and effective.
Install doorbell or motion cameras
Brands like Ring and Google Nest let you see and speak to visitors from anywhere. Visible cameras alone can cut burglary risk significantly.
Use smart plugs and remote‑controlled lights
Switch lights or radios on remotely to mimic normal activity.
Set up DIY alarms
Many systems now offer mobile alerts without professional installation. Even alarm stickers or dummy sirens deter intruders.
Use door and window sensors
These send instant notifications if triggered, especially useful for sliding doors or ground‑level windows.
Secure your Wi‑Fi
Smart devices rely on your modem. Use a strong password (at least 12 characters) and ensure your network stays powered while you’re away.
Protect your valuables and insurance coverage
Insurance won’t prevent a burglary, but it can soften the impact.
Check your policy
Ensure your coverage includes theft, forced entry, and accidental damage. Many insurers have vacancy limits (often around 60 days).
Document your belongings
- Photograph jewellery, electronics, and rare items
- Record serial numbers
- Store receipts or appraisals digitally
Use interior locks and safes
Lock rooms containing valuables. Place small safes in less obvious locations and bolt them down if possible.
Be smart about social media
More than one in ten burglars reportedly check public social media to confirm a home is empty.
- Avoid posting travel dates or airport photos
- Upload holiday photos after you return
- Disable location tagging
- Review your follower list and privacy settings
Leverage your community
Neighbourhood awareness is one of the strongest deterrents.
- Tell a trusted neighbour you’ll be away
- Ask them to collect parcels and check your home
- Join local neighbourhood watch groups
- Check council safety programs or holiday checklists
Consider house sitters
Having someone live in your home is one of the best protections. Reputable platforms match homeowners with verified sitters or pet carers who maintain routines and keep the home active.
Extra tips for apartment residents
- Never buzz in unknown visitors
- Report faulty access doors before leaving
- Secure balconies with locks or poles
- Notify building management so they can monitor parcels and access points
Your final pre‑travel checklist
- Lock all doors and windows
- Set timers and motion lights
- Confirm insurance coverage
- Photograph key items
- Hide valuables out of sight
- Arrange bin and mail pickup
- Park a car in the driveway if possible
- Unplug nonessential appliances
- Consider turning off the main water valve
Final thoughts
Home security during Christmas isn’t about paranoia — it’s about preparation. A few hours of planning can mean weeks of worry‑free travel. Thieves look for easy targets, not challenges. Every extra lock, every motion light, every alert neighbour reduces your risk dramatically.
Before you hit the road or board that flight, make your home look lived‑in, communicate with your community, and double‑check your coverage. Consider this your annual checklist for safe and secure holiday travel.
