Holiday security tips to protect your home

Try not to overshare on social media - people may find out you are away from home and take advantage of your absence.

Make sure your garage or shed is just as secure as your house, especially if that's where you keep your tools that could be used to break into your home.

Light up your home like a Christmas tree! Outdoor security lights can be a great deterrent.

Enlist your neighbours' help. Ask them to collect your mail and put out (and put away) your rubbish bins.

Don't post on Facebook groups or pages that you are going away and looking for dog kennels or someone to water your plants. Some people even post the dates they are away!

Ask someone to house sit. You may have friends whose family is visiting for Christmas, and they would appreciate the extra space!

Put up some festive outdoor solar lights, so they light up automatically when it gets dark.

Setup timers for your TV and lights to come on and go off at certain times.

Hang some clothes or towels on your washing line!

Leave a big pair of boots outside the front door to imply someone is inside!

Have a high-quality security system installed by professionals - then your home will be safe and secure all year round