Our favourite Christmas film has to be Home Alone. It’s a joyful romp through the do’s and don’ts of seasonal home security and while we’d never advise clients to attempt any of the traps that Kevin does for The Wet Bandits, it’s hilarious to watch. Some of the best scenes are of Kevin outsmarting the two bungling burglars by playing movie footage, heating the doorknobs and covering the steps with ice, but we absolutely love the inventive fake holiday party he lays on to make the house look occupied. Kevin uses a train set to make silhouettes appear to be dancing around the room, and a system of strings to move the limbs of mannequins to look like guests having a great time. The song that plays while he’s enacting this impressive feat is Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee, so we’ve chosen it for our special seasonal sing-along.
Rockin’ around security
Set the alarm when we’re out to shop
We don’t want to risk a burglary
It is the crime we want to stop
Rockin’ around security
Motion lights are all around
Lighting the paths for us to see
Send the burglars back to ground
You will get a safe and secure feeling
In your heart
Systems primed and home protected
Intrusion attempts will be rejected
Rockin’ around security
Businesses kept safe and sound
Monitored cameras watch cleverly
And there’s peace through all the town
You will thank your foresight as you’re
Covered by our kit
Smoke alarming, flood detecting
What you need, be sure we’ve got it
Rockin’ around security
It’s a time to dance and spin
Make it a safe time for you and me
And the criminals can’t win.
We hope you enjoyed our alternative take on this Christmas classic, and that you learn a thing or two from Home Alone for your own seasonal security. While a lot of the plot is fanciful, here are our key takeaways from the film:
- When burglar Harry poses as a police officer at the start of the film’ the family let slip they’re going away for several days; it’s a green light to the crooks to break in, so be very careful who you tell about going away, and who might be listening in when you do. Never mention detailed holiday plans in public places, or post them publicly on social media
- Harry is right when he determines that most homes are empty, because their lights all come on at the same time each night, signalling that they’re using timers. Use smart connected devices to control your lighting from your phone to create a more natural, realistic pattern of lights coming on and off.
- Kevin was scared of Old Man Marley, the neighbour about whom rumours abounded. In the end, it was that same person who saved Kevin from the crooks, which just goes to show that good neighbours can save the day when it comes to home security. Get to know yours and look out for each other.
We’ll certainly enjoy our annual viewing of Home Alone, it’s part of the Christmas experience along with roast turkey, pigs in blankets, and this year the first King’s speech in 70 years. We would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas from all of us at P&R Alarms.