If you’re planning a Christmas getaway or travelling over the New Year period, you’re probably already thinking about the essentials: flights, accommodation, pets, and who’s collecting the mail. But one important question often gets left until the last minute:

Is your home secure while you’re away?

The holiday season is one of the most common times for opportunistic break-ins. Many homes sit quiet for days or weeks, and it only takes one visible sign to attract unwanted attention. That’s where security screens come in, offering a practical way to protect doors and windows without turning your home into a fortress.

In this guide, we’ll break down whether security screens are worth it before the Christmas and New Year rush, how they work as a deterrent, and what to consider if you’re aiming to secure your home before you leave town.

The Holiday Break-In Spike: Why Christmas and New Year Is Prime Time for Opportunistic Theft

The Christmas and New Year holiday period is busy for everyone, including burglars. While many families are away visiting relatives or taking a well earned holiday, homes can become easier targets simply because they look unoccupied.

Common signs that can attract intruders include:

Lights off for extended periods
No car in the driveway
Overflowing mail or parcels at the front door
Bins not brought in
Quiet houses with little movement

Even if your suburb feels safe, break-ins are often opportunistic. That means thieves may not be “watching” your home for days, but they will take advantage when a property looks easy to access.

Security screens help reduce that risk because they add a visible barrier to entry points and make your home look far less appealing as a target.

Leaving Town? How Security Screens Protect Your Home While You’re Away

When you travel, you lock up and hope for the best. But the reality is that standard doors and windows alone may not provide the level of protection you expect, especially if someone is determined and has time.

Security screens create an extra layer of defence by reinforcing the areas intruders most commonly target:

Front doors and side access doors
Sliding doors and patio entries
Ground-level windows
Laundry doors and back entrances

A professionally installed screen door or window screen can help prevent forced entry attempts, giving you much stronger protection than basic flyscreens or standard locks.

This is especially valuable during holidays, because break-ins often happen in the middle of the day when streets are quiet and neighbours assume you’re away.

Peace of Mind While Travelling: The “Lock Up and Relax” Factor Homeowners Love

One of the biggest reasons people install security screens before the holiday season is not just security, it’s peace of mind.

When you’re away, the last thing you want is that constant feeling of worry:

“Did I lock everything?”
“What if someone breaks in while we’re gone?”
“Would we even know until we come back?”

Security screens help reduce anxiety because they make your home harder to access. That extra protection can be the difference between enjoying your holiday and constantly checking cameras or calling neighbours.

For families travelling interstate or overseas, it also provides reassurance that your home is protected even when you cannot get back quickly.

Do Security Screens Actually Deter Intruders, or Just Look Tough?

Security screens are not just for appearances, and yes, they can absolutely deter intruders.

Most burglars are looking for the quickest and easiest opportunity. The longer it takes to break in, the greater the risk of being caught. Security screens send a clear message: this home is not an easy target.

Here’s how they help deter break-ins:

They create a strong physical barrier that is difficult to cut or force open
They reduce fast smash-and-grab access through doors and windows
They increase noise and time required to attempt entry
They make intruders more visible if they try to tamper with the screen

Even a failed attempt can still cause damage, but strong security screening reduces the likelihood of entry being successful in the first place.

If you’re comparing options like alarms, cameras, and smart doorbells, security screens are one of the best long-term physical security upgrades you can make, because they protect the structure of the home itself.

Windows and Doors: The Most Common Entry Points Thieves Target During the Holidays

Most homeowners focus on the front door, but many break-ins happen elsewhere. Intruders often look for less visible access points, such as side doors, back doors, or windows tucked away from street view.

High-risk entry points include:

Sliding glass doors at the back of the home
Laundry or garage access doors
Bedrooms and bathrooms with accessible windows
Patio and alfresco areas with low visibility
Older windows with worn locks

Installing security screens across doors and key windows helps “lock down” these weak spots and reduces the chance of an intruder finding an easy way in.

If you’re preparing to travel, it’s smart to walk around your home and ask yourself: if I wanted to break in quickly, where would I try first?

That quick check alone often reveals why security screens are worth considering before the holiday rush.

Security Without Feeling “Locked In”: Fresh Air, Views, and Safety All at Once

A common concern is that installing security screens will make your home feel closed off or unattractive. The good news is modern security screens are designed to blend in and still look stylish.

Quality screens allow you to:

Enjoy natural airflow during hot Queensland summer days
Let fresh breezes in without leaving your home exposed
Keep clear views and natural light
Add security without bulky bars or grilles

This is especially useful during summer storms and humid nights when you want ventilation but do not want to sacrifice safety.

It’s one of the key reasons many Brisbane homeowners choose Crimsafe security screens, because they offer protection while still fitting the look of modern homes.

Are Security Screens Worth the Cost Before the Holidays, or Can It Wait Until After?

If you’re travelling soon, installing security screens before Christmas and New Year can be a smart investment, not just for security but for overall home value and long-term comfort.

Here are a few reasons it makes sense to do it before you leave:

You reduce the chance of returning to a damaged home
You avoid last-minute stress before travel
You protect valuables, personal items, and sentimental belongings
You make your home visibly more secure while you’re away
You can enjoy safer airflow during summer while at home

On the other hand, waiting until after the holiday rush means you are taking a gamble during one of the highest travel periods of the year.

Security screens are not just a seasonal purchase, but if your timing aligns with holiday travel, it’s often the best time to take action.

If you’re in Brisbane or nearby areas, Brisbane Security Screens can guide you through the right screen options for your home, including doors, sliding entries, and window protection for peace of mind.

Why Choosing a Licensed Installer Matters for Genuine Protection (and Warranties)

Not all security screens are equal. The effectiveness of security screens depends heavily on two things:

The quality of the product
The quality of the installation

This is why choosing a licensed installer matters, especially if you are investing in genuine Crimsafe security screens and doors.

With a licensed team, you are more likely to receive:

Genuine products, not imitation alternatives
Proper measurement and custom-fit installation
Screens that meet relevant Australian safety standards
Strong warranty coverage and peace of mind
Reliable workmanship from trained professionals

A poorly installed screen can create weak points, even if the product itself is strong. That’s why it’s important to work with experienced professionals who install security screens properly the first time.

With decades of experience and an in-house team (not contractors), Brisbane Security Screens helps homeowners secure doors and windows across Brisbane and surrounding areas, with quality workmanship designed for long-term performance.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It Before the Holiday Period?

If you’re planning to travel over Christmas or New Year, security screens are absolutely worth considering. They help deter intruders, strengthen your home’s most vulnerable entry points, and provide peace of mind while you’re away.

Even a basic upgrade to your most accessible doors and windows can make a real difference.

Before you lock up and head off on your holiday, take a moment to ask: if someone tried to break into my home, how easy would it be?

If the answer makes you uncomfortable, now is the perfect time to act.

Want to travel with confidence this holiday season? Speak with Securelux, your local team for genuine Crimsafe security screens and doors across Brisbane and the Gold Coast, and get a free quote tailored to your home.