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The holidays are a time for family, fun, and—if you’re not careful—unwelcome visitors of the Wet Bandit variety. Luckily, we can all learn a thing or two about home security from Home Alone. While you might not need to set up booby traps involving tarantulas and paint cans, you can definitely keep your house safe this season with some clever (and slightly less dramatic) strategies.
Here’s how to channel your inner Kevin McCallister and outsmart the bad guys this holiday season:
1. Lock the Doors. Seriously.
The McCallister family was in such a rush to get to Paris, that they left their kid behind and forgot to lock up properly. Don’t be that family. Before you leave, double-check every door and window, even the ones you never use. If you have time, throw in a “Hands off my house!” sign for good measure.
2. Make It Look Like Someone’s Home
Kevin’s “party” scene with mannequins and cardboard cutouts was genius, but we can simplify this. Use smart plugs to turn lights on and off or program your TV to play festive movies on a loop. If anyone peeks in, they’ll assume your family is home watching It’s a Wonderful Life for the 27th time.
3. Stop the Pile-Up
Nothing says “Please rob me” like a front porch overflowing with newspapers and packages. Ask a friend or neighbour to clear them away—or invest in a big mailbox. Just don’t rig it with a blowtorch. That’s taking things too far.
4. Install a Video Doorbell
If Kevin had a video doorbell, he could’ve avoided running around like a maniac and just scared off the Wet Bandits by yelling, “Smile, you filthy animals!” remotely. A modern one even lets you call the cops with the touch of a button—no DIY traps required.
5. Keep Valuables Out of Sight
Kevin knew the power of pizza to lure criminals, but your high-tech gadgets and holiday gifts are just as tempting. Keep them out of sight. (And maybe stash a slice of pizza in the fridge for emergencies—just make sure your sibling doesn’t get to it first.)
6. Set Up “Creative” Deterrents
Kevin’s traps were legendary, but you can achieve the same effect with a little less chaos. A fake dog barking, a well-placed motion light, or even an outdoor speaker playing loud “home improvement” noises can make burglars think twice. If all else fails, get a cardboard cut-out of The Rock and place it in a window.
7. Have a Neighbour Help Out
Kevin had Old Man Marley keeping an eye on things, and look how that turned out! Ask a neighbour or friend to check on your house. They don’t have to shovel snow with a menacing glare, but it wouldn’t hurt.
8. Plan for Package Thieves
Porch pirates are the 2020s version of the Wet Bandits, and they’re everywhere. Use a delivery locker, get your packages sent to your workplace, or consider rigging up a fake box filled with glitter. It won’t stop them, but it will make your day.
With a little planning and a touch of creativity, you can keep your home safe this holiday season without resorting to swinging paint cans. (Though let’s be honest, that scene was satisfying.)
Happy Holidays, and may your season be merry, bright, and burglar-free! 🎄
