With festive season here, people will be leaving homes empty for longer periods - but there are three common mistakes that signal to burglars nobody is in

Inflatable Santa and snowman outside a house

Inflatable Santa and snowman outside a house at night at Christmas (Image: Francesca Leslie via Getty Images)

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Criminals are skilled at identifying when a property is empty, and understanding their strategies can help protect your home. However, with December 25 just weeks away, people should be wary of any lurking property dangers.

Matthew Lake, a home security expert from  Guardian Safe And Vault, has highlighted how burglars might know you're not home over the holiday season and how to mitigate these risks - and it varies from your lights to what the outside looks like.

Talking about consistent lighting patterns, sayibg they're a dead giveaway, the expert noted that if lights are perpetually on or off, it suggests that no one is home to alter them, reports Liverpool Echo.

To counter this, use smart home technology or timers to create varied lighting schedules. This simulates an occupied home, making it less apparent that you're away.

Overflowing post and parcels are another sign, as a heap of post, leaflets, newspapers or undelivered packages outside a house indicates that the occupants might be away for a prolonged period.

However, you can request a hold on mail and newspaper deliveries through your local post office during your absence. For packages, either schedule deliveries when you are home or use secure package delivery services. Alternatively, request a neighbour to gather these items on your behalf.

An untended lawn or snow lingering on the driveway can signal that a property is empty. This becomes especially apparent when surrounding homes appear well-kept.

The solution involves asking a friend to tend to the lawn or remove any snow whilst you're away. This maintains the impression that someone is residing at the property.

Matthew concluded: "While it's disheartening, the reality is that some criminals exploit the festive season for personal gain. However, with the right precautions in place, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a target and ensure the safety of your home and belongings."