THE last thing anyone wants to worry about over the festive period is how safe their home and belongings are.

But as households across the country gear up for a jolly Christmas their homes could be left vulnerable to thefts.

According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, robbery and larceny both increase by approximately 20% every December

But don't worry, there are a few simple ways you can keep your home secure during the holidays.

Al Lijee, a home security specialist at Rated Locksmiths, shared some basic tips and tricks just in time for Christmas.

Of course, having a reliable security systems is the best place to start – this might include surveillance cameras, motion sensors and alarms.

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Al recommended installing a system with "real-time alerts" so you can keep an eye on your home and "respond promptly to any suspicious activity."

"Many modern systems also allow for direct communication with local authorities in case of an emergency," he told Express.co.uk.

The areas to focus on

Since burglars target doors and windows as their main point of entry, these are the spots you'll want to ensure are secure fist.

“Strengthen these vulnerable areas by installing deadbolt locks on exterior doors, or consider upgrading to smart locks that provide additional layers of security for your house," the pro said.

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You can also apply a security film to windows to help make them "more resistant to shattering" as well.

And any sliding doors can be made more secure by "placing a sturdy rod in the track, preventing forced entry from would-be burglars.”

Lock valuables away rather than stash them in a drawer, you can buy a safe without breaking the bank from shops like Argos.

You can invest in a Yale 31cm Small Digital Safe for just £35, for example.

Al also suggest making your home appear occupied, even what it's not.

Of course, you shouldn't leave lights and other electronics running all day when you're not home, but you can set timers on devices to come on and off to create the illusion someone is home.

You can also ask a trusted neighbour to pick up any post that may be left outside or by your front door if you're away for more than a few days.

Homeowners should also make sure they're not aiding burglars gain entry by removing anything from sheds and gardens that could help them, such as ladders, garden chairs or kids' play equipment.

Previously, TikTok user @virtuallyblinded uploaded a video sharing another privacy tip which could be useful during the festive period.

They advised against facing your blinds down at night: “With the lights on, people can see right in.

“Face them up instead," they said.

If you live on the second floor, you'll want to close them down so people who look at you from below can't see you.

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And a second person shared their handy hack to know which direction blinds should be facing.

"Downstairs blinds go up and upstairs blinds go down… always turn blinds opposite direction of what floor they are on," they wrote.

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