Theft of holiday decorations has become an increasingly frustrating problem for many homeowners. Karen from Los Angeles shared her experience with us in an email, saying:
“We have criminals visiting our area not only to steal mail and packages but also holiday decorations. You've done a job.” Christmas decoration To our mailbox, which was immediately stolen.”
We are sorry to hear about theft in your area. This highlights a problem that goes beyond just property loss. It is the theft of holiday joy and personal effort. Let's see how we can use technology to help secure your decorations.
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Stolen exterior decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
Smart solutions for holiday security
Karen also inquired about the event Samsung smart tagsWondering if these signs would work on her decor and how far they could go. The good news is that Samsung SmartTags can actually be used in your holiday decorations. You can attach 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, the range Samsung smart sign It 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 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. The SmartTag does not make a sound when it is out of range.
the Samsung smart sign Compatible with almost all recently released Samsung Galaxy phones. They must have 2GB of RAM and run Android 8.0 (Oreo) or higher. Therefore, your Samsung Galaxy S9 phones must be compatible with Samsung SmartTag.
Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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Apple AirTags: An alternative approach
For those thinking of switching to Apple, Airtag Offer another viable option. I asked Karen if she would have problems tracking her decorations with the 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 restrictions. It uses the Find My network, and if another Apple device passes through AirTag, the Find My network will be notified of the location of the lost item.
The AirTag doesn't make a sound when it's out of range. However, AirTag's Precision Search feature, which provides highly accurate tracking, is only compatible with the iPhone 11 series and later. If you're considering an iPhone, the iPhone 11 will be a relatively inexpensive option that's compatible with AirTag's precision search feature.
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Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
Samsung SmartTags vs. Apple AirTags
both of them Samsung smart tags Apple AirTags provide extensive tracking capabilities. The SmartTag uses Bluetooth for close-in tracking and relies on other Samsung devices for long-range location. Similarly, Pneumatic signs Leverage the Find My network, using nearby Apple devices to transmit location information.
For Samsung users like Karen, Smart tag It's the natural choice, as it works seamlessly with Galaxy devices. Those considering Apple might look at… Air sign As an option.
Please note that although these tags can help you keep track of your items, they may not prevent theft because they are not hidden devices and can be removed by someone who recognizes them.
Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
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Additional tips for holiday security
1. Use motion-activated cameras: Steady Motion-activated surveillance cameras To monitor 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 ties, chains, or zip locks. Although this will not deter all thieves, it may make theft more difficult and time-consuming.
3. Light it: Well-lit areas are less attractive to thieves. Make sure your yard and decorations are adequately lit External lightsEspecially in dark corners or near entry points.
4. Involve your neighbors: Create a sense of community by alerting neighbors to thefts and monitoring suspicious activity. A connected neighborhood can act as a powerful deterrent.
5. Mark your property: Use invisible ink or engrave your decorations with a unique identifier. If the stolen items are recovered, this will help law enforcement return them to you.
6. Report thefts to local law enforcement: Always report theftsno matter how small. Law enforcement can track patterns and increase patrols in areas where incidents occur frequently. Providing details may also help them recover stolen items.
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Outdoor Christmas decorations. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutson)
Key takeaways for Kurt
In her email, Karen expressed her frustration: “I know this sounds simple… but it's frustrating to see things you spend time, money, and a little bit of love being stolen.” Desire for protection Eid decorations It goes beyond material value – it is about preserving the joy and the effort it takes to create a festive atmosphere. As we embrace these technologies, let us also remember the importance of community vigilance and mutual respect.
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Have you ever used trackers, security cameras, or other tools 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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