Theft of Christmas decorations has become an increasingly frustrating problem for many homeowners. Karen from Los Angeles shared her experience with us in an email and said:
“We have criminals that visit our neighborhood to not only steal mail and packages, but also Christmas decorations. I made a Christmas ornament for our mailbox, which was quickly stolen.”
We are sorry for the theft in your neighborhood. This highlights a problem that goes beyond mere loss of property. It is a theft of Christmas joy and personal effort. Let’s look at how we can use technology to help protect your decorations.
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Exterior decorations that were stolen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Smart solutions for holiday security
Karen also asked about the effectiveness of Samsung Smart Tagswondering if these labels would work on their decorations and how far they could go. The good news is that Samsung SmartTags can be used in Christmas decorations. You can attach the 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.
Regarding distance, the range of the Samsung Smart Tag uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone. If the item is within Bluetooth range, you can ring it to find it or use the “Find Nearby” feature to get directions to it. If the item is out of range, other Samsung devices near the tag will anonymously locate it and then tell you where it is. This is done in the background and is encrypted to ensure privacy. The SmartTag does not beep when out of range.
He Samsung Smart Tag It is compatible with almost all recently released Samsung Galaxy phones. They must have 2 GB of RAM and run Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. Therefore, 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 considering switching to Apple, AirTags present another viable option. Karen asked if she would have trouble tracking her decorations with an Apple AirTag. Although it is 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 goes through the AirTag, the Find My network will be notified of the location of the lost item.
The AirTag does not beep when it is out of range. However, AirTag’s Precision Find feature, which provides very precise tracking, is only supported on the iPhone 11 series and later. If you are considering purchasing an iPhone, the iPhone 11 would be a relatively affordable option and supports AirTag’s precision find feature.
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Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Samsung SmartTags vs Apple AirTags
Both Samsung Smart Tags and Apple AirTags offer extensive tracking capabilities. SmartTag uses Bluetooth for close tracking and relies on other Samsung devices for long-range location. Similarly, Air tags Take advantage of the Find My network, using nearby Apple devices to transmit location information.
For Samsung users like Karen, the Smart label is the natural choice as it works perfectly with Galaxy devices. Those considering Apple could look at the air tag as an option.
Please note that while these tags can help you track your items, they may not prevent theft as they are not hidden devices and can be removed by someone who recognizes what they are.
Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Additional Tips for Holiday Safety
1. Use motion activated cameras: Install motion activated security cameras to control your decorations. Many security cameras send real-time notifications to your phone, allowing you to act quickly if someone tampers with your property.
2. Safe Decorations: Consider physically securing your decorations with zip ties, chains, or padlocks. While this won’t deter all thieves, it can make stealing more difficult and time-consuming.
3. Turn it on: Well-lit areas are less attractive to thieves. Make sure your garden and decorations are adequately lit with outdoor lightsespecially in dark corners or near entry points.
4. Involve your neighbors: Create a sense of community by alerting neighbors about burglaries and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. A connected neighborhood can act as a strong deterrent.
5. Mark your property: Use invisible ink or engrave your decorations with a unique identifier. If stolen items are recovered, this will help authorities return them to you.
6. Report thefts to local authorities: Always report thefts, no matter how small. Law enforcement can track patterns and increase patrols in areas with frequent incidents. Providing details can also help them recover stolen items.
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Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Kurt’s Key Takeaways
In her email, Karen expressed her frustration: “I know this seems minor…but it’s disheartening to see the things you put time, money, and a little love into stolen.” The desire to protect Christmas decorations goes beyond material value: it is about safeguarding the joy and effort put into creating a festive atmosphere. As we embrace these technologies, let us also remember the importance of community policing and mutual respect.
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Have you ever used tracking devices, security cameras or other devices to protect your decorations? What worked well and what would you recommend to others? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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