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, stating:
“We have criminals who come to our neighborhood to steal not only mail and packages, but also Christmas decorations. I have one Christmas decorations for our mailbox, which was promptly stolen.”
We’re sorry to hear about the theft in your area. This highlights a problem that goes beyond just property loss. It is a theft of holiday fun and personal effort. Let’s take a look at how we can use technology to secure your decorations.
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Outdoor decorations that have been stolen. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Smart solutions for festive safety
Karen also inquired about the effectiveness of Samsung Smart Tagsasking if these tags would work on her decorations and how far they would reach. The good news is that Samsung SmartTags can indeed be used for your 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.
As for the distance, the range of the Samsung Smart Tag uses Bluetooth to connect to your phone. If the item is within Bluetooth range, you can call 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 locate it anonymously for you and then let you know where it is. This happens in the background and is encrypted to ensure privacy. The SmartTag does not beep when it is out of range.
The Samsung Smart Tag 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. So your Samsung Galaxy S9 phones must be compatible with the Samsung SmartTag.
Christmas decorations for outside. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Apple AirTags: an alternative approach
For those considering switching to Apple, Air Tags presenting another viable option. Karen asked if she would have any 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 passes the AirTag, the Find My network is notified of the location of the lost item.
The AirTag does not beep when it is out of range. However, the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature, which provides highly accurate tracking, is only compatible with the iPhone 11 series and above. If you’re considering purchasing an iPhone, the iPhone 11 is a relatively inexpensive option that is compatible with the AirTag’s Precision Finding feature.
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Christmas decorations for outside. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
Samsung SmartTags vs. Apple AirTags
Both Samsung Smart Tags and Apple AirTags provide extensive tracking capabilities. The SmartTag uses Bluetooth for nearby tracking and relies on other Samsung devices for long-range location. In the same way, AirTags use the Find My network and use nearby Apple devices to transmit location data.
For Samsung users like Karen, the Smart Tag is the obvious choice and works seamlessly with Galaxy devices. Those considering Apple should check out the AirTag as an option.
Keep in mind that while these tags can help you track your items, they may not prevent theft because they are not hidden devices and can be removed by someone who recognizes what they are.
Christmas decorations for outside. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Extra tips for festive security
1. Use motion-activated cameras: Install motion activated security cameras to check your decorations. Many security cameras send real-time notifications to your phone, so you can act quickly if someone is tampering with your property.
2. Safe Decorations: Consider physically securing your decorations with zip ties, chains, or locks. While this won’t deter all thieves, it can make stealing more difficult and time-consuming.
3. Light it: Well-lit areas are less attractive to thieves. Make sure your garden and decorations are adequately lit outdoor lightingespecially in dark corners or near access points.
4. Involve your neighbors: Create a sense of community by alerting neighbors to thefts and keeping an eye out for suspicious activity. A connected neighborhood can have a strong deterrent effect.
5. Mark your property: Use invisible ink or engrave your decorations with a unique identification. If stolen items are recovered, this will help the police return them to you.
6. Report thefts to the local police: Always report theftsno matter how small. Law enforcement can identify patterns and increase patrols in areas with frequent incidents. Providing details can also help them recover stolen items.
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Christmas decorations for outside. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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In her email, Karen expressed her frustration: “I know this seems small… but it’s disheartening to see the things you spend time, money and a little love on being stolen.” The desire to protect holiday decorations goes beyond material value; it’s about securing the joy and effort put into creating a festive atmosphere. As we embrace these technologies, let’s also keep in mind 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 at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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