The holiday season is that special time of year where we get to spend lots of time with friends and family. In most instances, this requires a bit of traveling and time spent away from home. You might already have a fantastic home security system in place to help protect you from theft and illegal crime, but there are additional ways to boost your home security this holiday season. Here are some of our favorite.

1. Check your locks

One of the easiest ways to boost home security is to make sure your locks are functioning properly. You'll want to check both the doors and windows. Replace broken or rusted fixtures and insert bars across sliding doors to prevent them from being jiggled open. 

2. Police Inspection

Contact your local police department to schedule a police inspection. Having an officer come to your property gives you an opportunity to assess your residence for potential weaknesses. Your officer can also help answer any questions you might have about crime in the area and how to protect your home. 

3. Inspect motion detectors

Motion detectors are amazing devices that add an extra level of security to your home. Different systems use different sensors to pick up motion, so you'll want to contact your home security company to ensure yours is working correctly. This is also an excellent time to ensure your device won't be set off by pets. 

4. Remove signs of expensive items within the house

This one seems obvious, but quite often homeowners forget to discard packaging of high-end electronics and appliances properly and, instead, leave them lying outside with the garbage. If you are away for the holiday season, take these empty containers to the landfill or local recycling center. Additionally, you'll want to store bicycles, toys, and extra cars in the garage with the door closed 

5. Place a hold on your mail

An overflowing mailbox is a signal that you are not at home. This is quickly rectified by going to your local post office and placing all incoming mail on a "vacation hold." Alternatively, you can ask a friend, neighbor, or family member to come by and pick-up your mail for you. 

6. Utilize an HD camera system 

Cameras provide your home with real-time security footage, and installation is relatively inexpensive if you choose to DIY the project yourself. Most professional security systems will have an HD camera as an option that can work well with your current monitoring system. Cameras are great at deterring theft if burglars know they are being watched. 

7. Inform your alarm company you will be out of town

You purchased an alarm system to protect your family and home from potential dangers. When you leave town, contact your home security company to inform them of how long you are away and the best numbers to reach you in case of an emergency. If you have someone checking on the house, provide their contact information as well. In the instance of a break-in, your agent will follow-up with either you or your friend and not risk calling the landline. 

8. Install timers 

You can quickly create the "at home" look by installing timers for your outdoor lights or even your television. There are a lot of devices available to make it appear someone is at home, even when you are away for weeks at a time. Timers are excellent because you don't have to worry about racking up a massive electric bill because they allow you to program the device to turn off and on at certain times of the day. 

9. Get to know your neighbors

A well-connected community is really powerful. Getting to know your neighbors is a great way to provide your home with extra security. You'll be able to offer each other the ability to watch for potential threats when either of you is away from home. This is an excellent option because it's not just for the holidays. When your neighbor is familiar with your schedule and habits, they can alert you at any time if something appears awry. 

10. Don't advertise you will be away

It's tempting to advertise your upcoming plans to your social media friends, but it’s best to wait to share your experience until after you return. This prevents anyone from knowing when and for how long you will be out of town.