Every year we hear a news story about a family’s holiday being ruined by heartless, opportunistic thieves who steal thoughtfully chosen gifts purchased with hard-earned wages and the sense of home being a safe haven.  Send these shady characters packing with these tips:

• Close your window treatments to prevent prying eyes from seeing what’s under the tree or what logos are on the shopping bags.
• Use motion detection lights and landscape lights to illuminate your property.
• Trim trees and hedges to eliminate hiding places.
• Use light timers to make your home appear occupied even when it’s not.
• Adjust your window treatments periodically also makes your home appear occupied.
• Lock your doors and windows.
• Ask your Budget Blinds style consultant about programmable motorization, which can make your home appear occupied even when it’s not, by opening and closing window treatments throughout the day. 
• Ask your local police department for additional home security tips.