How to steal your Christmas decorations
Holiday decoration theft has become an increasingly frustrating problem for many homeowners. Karen from Los Angeles shared her experience with us via email, stating that
“We have criminals visiting our neighborhood who steal not only mail and packages, but also holiday decorations. Christmas decoration immediately for our stolen mailbox.”
Sorry to hear about the burglary in the neighborhood. This highlights a problem that goes beyond mere property loss. It is a theft of holiday joy and personal effort. Let’s see how we can use technology to protect your decorations.
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Stolen outdoor decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Smart solutions for holiday security
Karen was also interested in its effectiveness Samsung SmartTagsasked if these tags would work on her decorations and how far they could go. The good news is that Samsung SmartTags can actually be used in your holiday decorations. You can add a SmartTag to any item you want to track. These devices are compatible with the latest Samsung Galaxy phones, including the Galaxy S9, making them accessible to many Android users.
As for distance, distance Samsung SmartTag uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone. If the item is in Bluetooth range, you can call to find it or use the Find Nearby feature to get directions to it. If an item is out of range, other Samsung devices near the tag will anonymously locate it for you and then let you know where it is. This is done in the background and is encrypted to ensure privacy. SmartTag does not beep when out of range.
The Samsung SmartTag Compatible with almost all recently released Samsung Galaxy phones. They should have 2GB of RAM and run Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. So your Samsung Galaxy S9 phones should be compatible with Samsung SmartTag.
Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Apple AirTags: An Alternative Approach
For those thinking of switching Apple, AirTags provide another affordable option. Karen asked if she would have trouble tracking her ornaments with the Apple AirTag. Although primarily designed for iOS devices, you can use it with your Android phone as mentioned in our article herewith some limitations. It uses the Find My network, and if another Apple device moves past the AirTag, the Tap My network will be notified of the lost item’s location.
AirTag does not beep when out of range. However, AirTag’s Precision Finding feature, which provides high-precision tracking, is only compatible with the iPhone 11 series and later models. If you’re considering buying an iPhone, the iPhone 11 would be a relatively inexpensive option that’s compatible with AirTag’s Accurate Find feature.
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Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Samsung SmartTags and Apple AirTags
Both of them Samsung SmartTags and Apple AirTags offer extensive tracking capabilities. SmartTag uses Bluetooth for nearby tracking and other Samsung devices for long-range location. Likewise, Weather labels Find My Network uses nearby Apple devices to share location information.
For Samsung users like Karen SmartTag It’s a natural choice that works seamlessly with Galaxy devices. Apple minders can watch AirTag as an option.
Note that while these tags help track your belongings, they may not prevent theft because they are not hidden devices and can be removed by someone who knows what they are.
Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Additional tips for holiday safety
1. Use motion-activated cameras: Install it mobile security cameras to track your decorations. Many security cameras send real-time notifications to your phone, allowing you to act quickly if someone is trespassing on your property.
2. Safe Decorations: Consider physically securing your jewelry with zippers, chains, or locks. While this may not deter all thieves, it can make theft more difficult and time-consuming.
3. Turn it on: Well-lit areas are less attractive to thieves. Make sure your yard and decorations are adequately lit open lightsespecially in dark corners or near entry points.
4. Get your neighbors involved: Create a sense of community by notifying neighbors of burglaries and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. A closed neighborhood can act as a powerful deterrent.
5. Register your property: Use invisible ink or engrave your decorations with a unique identifier. If stolen items are recovered, this will help law enforcement return them to you.
6. Report thefts to local law enforcement agencies: Always report theftsno matter how small. Law enforcement agencies can follow patterns and increase patrols in areas where incidents occur frequently. Providing details can help them recover stolen items.
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Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Karen expressed her frustration in her email: “I know it seems small … but it’s disappointing to see something you’ve spent time, money and a little love stolen from.” Desire for protection holiday decorations goes beyond material value – it’s about preserving the joy and effort put into creating a festive atmosphere. As we embrace these technologies, let’s also remember the importance of community vigilance and mutual respect.
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Have you ever used tracking devices, security cameras, or other gadgets to protect your decorations? What worked well and what would you recommend to others? Let us know by writing to us Cyberguy.com/Contact
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