As the holiday season approaches, it’s a good idea to think about keeping your home safe from theft while you’re gone.

Joshua Grella, Spokesperson for the Saskatoon Police Service says that making your home look occupied is a great way to avoid potential break ins.

“Automatic timers, lighting, motion sensor lighting, they just keep that sense of activity around your house. That’s a good basic way to do it. If you have the means, security cameras or a security system are also great mechanisms to have in place to secure your property,”

Grella adds that having a neighbour who can make your home look occupied is also a good plan.

“Have someone check on your house, shovel the snow if it snows, bring in the mail so it doesn’t pile up, consider pausing your mail if you’re going to be away for an extended period. Even the basics, make sure your doors and windows are locked and secured prior to leaving, that’s an easy enough thing to forget if you’re in a rush. There’s even actually smart locks now where you can check that on your phone.”

While keeping your home safe during the holidays is a good idea, Grella says there is not a noticeable increase in break ins while people are away celebrating with friends and family.

“I wouldn’t say that there’s a notable increase, but these are tips that are beneficial to keep in mind throughout the year. Having lights on timers, that’s just something that can prevent suspicious activity around your house at all times.”

Grella says that keeping travel plans offline until you return home is a good idea to ensure nobody know you’re away for an extended period of time.