Ten Valentine’s Day Safety Tips

This post was originally published on February 13, 2014. It was updated January 31, 2020.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, it’s time for a fun and romantic night with your significant other, friend, or yourself!

Be wary though, as burglars are giddy, knowing that so many people have plans for romantic dates and getaways. Their hearts are racing at the thought of all the empty and unattended homes. It takes less than 12 minutes for a burglar to raid your home of valuables—cash, electronics, jewelry, and more. So, we've put together 10 safety tips to help ensure that your Valentine’s Day isn't spoiled. While many of these tips should be best practices, it is especially important to be safe on holidays when burglars expect you to be out of the house.

First things first: don’t share your dinner reservation, movie plans, or anything else that could be used to identify your home as vacant. Sharing this information makes your home an easier target for burglars. More than 60% of burglars know their victims—even more reason to be mindful of what you post on social media.

The temptation to post pictures of the great food, the beautiful restaurant, and the romantic scenery can be great, but resist it until after the date. Just like announcing your plans, the pictures will show that you’re not currently at home. Special Valentine’s Day Tip: Your partner may not be pleased if you’re on your phone, either.

Avoiding social media does not guarantee that your home is safe. It may seem simple, but make sure that you’ve locked all the doors and windows, including those upstairs. Most burglars enter through the front door (34%), followed by a first-floor window (23%), and back door (22%). If you have a home security system already, consider upgrading or adding door and window sensors to your current system.

A great, easy way to deter burglars is by making it appear that your home is occupied. That begins by turning the lights on. If your home is equipped with timers or smart light bulbs and wireless light controls, sync them with your normal routine.

Don’t leave electronics, bank statements, or jewelry on counters, tables, or nightstands. Put these items in a drawer or—even better—a safe. When possible, position large electronics, like TVs and stereos, so they are hidden when looking through your windows.

Valentine’s Day is a busy and often chaotic evening. You could lose your wallet or purse, or even be the victim of a pickpocket! Protect yourself by limiting the amount of cash you bring, along with other items.

Okay, you had to bring the purse to complete your outfit. That’s fine, just remember to always keep it in front of you at all times. Always zip it fully closed if you can. Guys: the same goes for you. Put your wallet in your front pocket. It's easier for someone to grab it without you noticing if it's your back pocket.

It’s undoubtedly romantic to end your date on a walk where it’s just you, your partner, and silence. We see it in movies all the time. However, it also leaves you vulnerable to a waiting burglar. We’re not suggesting you head to a crowded shopping mall; just make sure others around who could help.

If one night out on the town isn’t enough and you’ve planned a romantic getaway, ask someone you trust—like a neighbor—to look after your home. Instruct them to pick up the mail/packages, shovel the snow, water the plants, or anything else to make it appear that you’re still there. We recommend rewarding them afterward for their efforts.

If crowds are not your cup of tea and you have a lovely night-in planned, be careful. Don’t leave anything on—oven, lit candles, etc.—when you leave the room or go to bed for the night. Just to be extra safe, make sure that your smoke and heat sensor is properly functioning.

Is there anything more romantic than keeping your loved one safe and secure? More than 80% of burglars look to see if there is an alarm and 60% change their mind if they see one installed.

Whatever your plans, we hope that you have a wonderful and safe Valentine’s Day!

Frontpoint keeps homes safe whether families are there or not. We've been revolutionizing the home security industry for over a decade. And we're just getting started. To shop DIY home security systems, check out our Security Packages. If you have questions or would like to discuss a quote, contact us at 1-877-602-5276.