Written by
Reviewed by Matthew Ashton
Why high-value homes need extra care at Christmas
The festive season is a busy time for everyone – including burglars.
They are easy to spot thanks to tell-tale signs of wealth on display for all to see: an expensive car on the driveway, a beautifully manicured garden or expensive tech, like large televisions or devices, visible through the windows.
Christmas is one of the most popular times for people to travel away for the holidays, often leaving their homes empty and more vulnerable. When properties are unattended for days or even weeks, the opportunities for burglars increases significantly.
Criminals like to exploit predictable routines, especially when the dark nights and bad weather make it easier to go unnoticed. In fact, Keyways Fire & Security reports that burglary rates increase by about 25-30% in winter, peaking in December and January, making proactive measures essential.
And finally, perhaps the most obvious draw, is the potential to steal valuable items. Luxury houses often contain expensive electronics, designer clothes, jewellery, antiques and artwork, and even cash.
How to protect your home from burglary this winter
Combining smart technology and tailored insurance helps to create a robust security strategy and is key to effective home burglary prevention. Here’s how:
- Smart security systems
When it comes to improving your home security, technology is your first line of defence. Modern systems can send you instant alerts, so you can keep an eye on your home wherever you are.
Depending on how advanced your setup is, you can control access so that only trusted individuals can enter your property, which can add an extra layer of security.
For complete protection, consider using a 24/7 monitoring service with real-time responses to any suspicious activity.
- High-value home insurance
Specialist insurance adds another layer of reassurance that standard policies can often miss. We can safeguard your property and possessions against theft, damage and even cyber threats.
Top tip: If you invest in smart security systems, make sure that you invest in your cybersecurity too. All smart devices can become targets to help opportunistic criminals break in, so securing your home network is as critical as your physical security.
Stay secure this festive season
Don’t let holiday risks overshadow your celebrations. Reduce the chances of problems by prioritising home security during the festive season – combining advanced technology with specialist insurance can significantly lower risk and help protect what matters most, even when you’re away
To learn more about high-value home insurance, speak to a member of the Stanhope team.
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I recently arranged my home insurance and found the entire process to be smooth and straightforward. Sam took the time to explain all the cover options clearly, ensuring I understood exactly what was included in the policy. They were patient, informative, and helped tailor the cover to suit my needs without any pressure or upselling. Communication was excellent throughout — prompt responses, clear guidance, and a professional approach that made the process stress-free. The premium offered was competitive, and I felt confident that the policy provided good value for money. Overall, I’m very satisfied with the service and would happily recommend them to anyone looking for reliable and hassle-free home insurance.
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Written by William Cooper
I started insurance broking in 2009. I followed my great-grandfather, grandfather, and father into the world of insurance. In 2019, I decided I wanted to do things differently. I formed Stanhope in 2019 with Matthew Ashton and Rachel Living. We want to shake up the industry! Let's make insurance cool and useful for our customers. Let's improve the customer journey and get them to trust us as their insurance company. Let's pay claims quickly; let's be excellent and honest in all that we do!