Christmas in Canberra should be about switching off, not stressing about what is happening back home. Whether you are heading interstate, overseas, or just escaping the city for a few days, leaving your home unattended can quietly play on your mind.
Every December, locksmiths and police across Canberra see the same pattern. Empty homes, predictable routines, and rushed holiday prep create the perfect opportunity for break-ins. The good news is that a few smart security steps before you leave can dramatically reduce your risk and help you enjoy your holiday with total peace of mind.
Here is how Canberra homeowners protect their homes while they are away, and how Night and Day Locksmiths can help.
Why Christmas Is Peak Season for Break-Ins in Canberra
December consistently sees a spike in residential break-ins across Canberra suburbs. The reason is simple. Homes are empty for longer, parcels pile up, lights stay off, and routines disappear.
Thieves know that many families travel during Christmas and New Year. They also know that people are often distracted by shopping, events, and end of year rush. Even well maintained homes can become targets if they look unoccupied.
Locksmiths frequently attend jobs after the holidays involving forced doors, damaged locks, and compromised security that could have been prevented with simple upgrades before travel.
The Most Overlooked Security Weak Spots Before Holiday Travel
Most homeowners lock their front door and assume that is enough. Unfortunately, burglars rarely use the front door.
Some of the most overlooked weak points include:
- Worn or outdated locks that can be forced or picked easily
- Sliding doors without secondary locks
- Garage doors with internal access to the home
- Windows with old latches or faulty locks
- Spare keys hidden in predictable places
These weaknesses are often invisible until it is too late. A professional locksmith inspection can quickly identify vulnerabilities and recommend practical fixes that do not require major renovations.
Simple Lock Upgrades That Deter Thieves Instantly
You do not need a full security overhaul to make your home far less attractive to intruders. Strategic lock upgrades are often enough to send burglars elsewhere.
Effective upgrades include:
- High security deadlocks on external doors
- Reinforced strike plates and door frames
- Key restricted lock systems that prevent unauthorised key copying
- Secondary locking for sliding doors and windows
These upgrades work because they increase time, noise, and difficulty. Most burglars want easy access. If your home looks secure, they move on.
Night and Day Locksmiths install trusted lock products designed for Canberra homes and conditions, using proven methods backed by decades of local experience.
Should You Rekey or Replace Locks Before You Leave?
This is one of the most common questions we hear before Christmas.
Rekeying is ideal if:
- You have lost track of who has keys
- You have recently moved house
- Tradies, cleaners, or previous tenants had access
Replacing locks may be better if:
- Locks are old, damaged, or unreliable
- You want to upgrade to higher security options
- You want a fresh start with modern lock technology
Both options are affordable and fast when done by a professional locksmith. Rekeying is especially popular before the holidays because it delivers immediate peace of mind without replacing hardware.
Smart Ways to Make Your Home Look Occupied
Appearance matters. A home that looks lived in is far less likely to be targeted.
Simple strategies include:
- Timer controlled lights that turn on at night
- Pausing mail and deliveries or asking a neighbour to collect them
- Having someone park in your driveway occasionally
- Using smart devices to vary lighting and activity
These small details create uncertainty for anyone watching your property. Combined with solid locks, they dramatically lower your risk.
What Canberra Police and Locksmiths See Every December
Every December, police reports and locksmith callouts tell the same story. Most holiday break-ins involve homes with outdated locks, obvious absence signs, or easy access points.
Locksmiths often arrive after the damage is done to repair broken doors, drill out destroyed locks, and restore security for families returning from holidays to an unpleasant surprise.
The homeowners who avoid this scenario usually took proactive steps before leaving. A short inspection and upgrade in early December often saves thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.
How 24/7 Locksmith Support Adds Peace of Mind While You’re Away
Even with preparation, things can happen. Keys can be misplaced by house sitters, doors can fail, or neighbours may notice something concerning.
Having a trusted 24 hour locksmith means help is always available. Night and Day Locksmiths provide true all hours service across Canberra, including weekends and public holidays.
Knowing that professional help is just a phone call away allows you to relax and enjoy your time away without constant worry.
A Pre-Trip Security Checklist Every Canberra Homeowner Should Use
Before you lock up and head off, run through this checklist:
- Inspect all external doors and locks
- Check sliding doors, windows, and garage access
- Rekey or replace locks if key access is uncertain
- Upgrade weak locks to high security options
- Set lighting timers or smart automation
- Arrange mail collection and visible activity
- Save your local locksmith’s number in your phone
If you want confidence that nothing has been missed, a professional locksmith inspection is the easiest way to cover every angle.
Enjoy Christmas Away With Confidence
Your holiday should be about family, rest, and enjoyment, not worrying about what is happening back home.
Night and Day Locksmiths have protected Canberra homes for over 35 years. As a fully licensed, family owned, all hours locksmith service, we understand local risks and provide practical solutions that work.
If you are travelling this Christmas, now is the perfect time to secure your home properly.
Call 02 6290 1938 for an obligation free quote or inspection, or contact Night and Day Locksmiths online today.
Because peace of mind is the best thing you can pack for your holiday.
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