Season’s Greetings & Holiday Safety Tips: Preventing Break-Ins in Ontario
- Sahil Bhardwaj
- Dec 19, 2025
- 3 min read
The holiday season is a time of celebration, warmth, and family gatherings. As we reflect on the year and look forward to the joys of Christmas and New Year, we also want to remind you to enjoy the festivities safely and securely.
This time of year can present unique safety and security challenges, from break-ins and package thefts to increased opportunities for criminals when homes are empty or distracted. With a little planning and awareness, you can protect your home, your loved ones, and your peace of mind throughout the season.
Happy holidays from all of us at Bhardwaj Law Professional Corporation. May your celebrations be joyful, safe, and worry-free.
1. Holiday Crime Trends: Why Safety Matters
During the holiday season, homes can be at increased risk of burglaries and thefts. Opportunistic criminals often target quiet streets, unattended properties, or visible signs of valuables, such as boxes from popular gifts left outside. Criminals are alert to social media posts that signal travel plans or empty homes, making simple precautions all the more critical.
2. Smart Habits to Protect Your Home
Here are some practical crime prevention tips to help protect your home and belongings this season:
Secure Doors and Windows
Always lock all doors and windows, even if you’re stepping out briefly. Don’t leave spare keys hidden under mats or in obvious places. If you have a garage, keep it closed and secure.
Make Your Home Look Occupied
If you plan to be away, use timers for indoor lighting, place a vehicle in the driveway if possible, and ask a trusted neighbour to collect your mail and packages so they don’t pile up, which signals an empty home.
Think Before You Share
Avoid posting holiday travel plans or photos of gifts and expensive purchases on social media until you return. Oversharing online can signal to would-be thieves that your home is unoccupied.
Manage Packages and Deliveries
Package theft is a growing concern during the holidays. If possible, redirect deliveries to secure locations such as parcel lockers, a neighbour’s house, or require a signature upon delivery instead of leaving items unattended on porches.
Keep Outdoor Areas Bright
Criminals often prefer to operate in darkness. Motion-activated exterior lights, well-lit entryways, and visible security cameras can significantly deter break-ins.
3. Holiday Safety Beyond Burglary
Crime prevention isn’t just about break-ins. As you prepare to host gatherings or travel during the holidays, keep these additional safety considerations in mind:
Be mindful of fire hazards: Secure candles and holiday lights, and keep trees well-hydrated and away from heat sources.
Watch your mail: Don’t leave mail unattended, and consider having Canada Post hold your mail while you’re away.
Communicate with neighbours: A strong community network helps keep an eye out for suspicious activity and provides peace of mind when you’re away.
4. Legal Considerations After a Break-In or Theft
Despite the best precautions, break-ins and theft can still occur. If you or your property becomes a victim of theft or a break-in:
Contact local police immediately to file a report.
Document all losses and property damage for insurance and legal purposes.
Secure any remaining vulnerabilities to prevent a repeat incident.
Consider a consultation with a lawyer if the incident involves personal injury, identity theft, or disputes with insurance providers.
The emotional toll of such events can be significant, and understanding your legal options provides both clarity and closure.
5. Wishing You Safety and Joy
During this holiday season, we encourage you to enjoy all the moments of warmth, generosity, and connection, while also staying mindful of safety and security.
From everyone at Bhardwaj Law Professional Corporation, we wish you a joyful, peaceful, and safe holiday season. If you have questions about crime prevention, legal protections, or your rights following a criminal incident, feel free to contact us for guidance.
Happy Holidays, and here’s to a safe and prosperous New Year.
What is your biggest safety concern during the holiday season?
Home break-ins or burglaries
Package theft or “porch pirates”
Social media oversharing risk
Fire or holiday hazards
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