December Safety Tips for Small Businesses: Reducing Risk During the Holiday Season

By Steven Capogna
December Safety Tips for Small Businesses: Reducing Risk During the Holiday Season

December brings strong sales opportunities for many small businesses—but it also brings higher risk. Reduced staffing, irregular hours, and early closures create gaps that criminals know how to exploit. I’ve seen it year after year: businesses do everything right during peak hours, then let their guard down after closing early or shutting down for the holidays.

If you want to start the new year without dealing with theft, vandalism, or costly surprises, a few practical steps now can make all the difference.

“Most break-ins don’t happen during business hours—they happen when routines change and no one is paying attention.”

Below are proven, common-sense safety tips to help small businesses reduce after-hours risk throughout the holiday season.

Why December Is a High-Risk Month for Small Businesses

Holiday schedules disrupt normal routines. Employees come and go at odd hours. Some locations close early, while others shut down entirely for several days. That inconsistency creates opportunity.

Criminals look for:

  • Dark buildings with no activity
  • Doors left unsecured after early closings
  • Alarm systems that haven’t been tested in months
  • Empty parking lots and storage areas

Add reduced staffing to the mix, and it becomes harder to notice problems before damage is done.

After-Hours Theft and Vandalism Increase During the Holidays

After-hours incidents spike in December, especially:

  • Overnight break-ins
  • Vandalism during extended closures
  • Theft from back doors, loading docks, or side entrances

Businesses that close early for holidays are especially vulnerable. Criminals often strike within the first 24–72 hours of a closure, assuming alarms may be disabled or poorly monitored.

A properly armed and monitored alarm system remains your first and most reliable line of defense. If your system isn’t consistently armed—or hasn’t been checked recently—it may not respond the way you expect when it matters most.

For best practices on holiday crime prevention, the National Crime Prevention Council offers helpful guidance for businesses preparing for extended closures: https://www.ncpc.org

Managing Employees Working Irregular Holiday Schedules

Holiday staffing changes can unintentionally weaken security.

Common issues I see every December:

  • Employees unsure who is responsible for arming the system
  • Different managers closing on different nights
  • Temporary staff unfamiliar with alarm procedures
  • Doors left unlocked during shift changes

Clear communication is essential. Make sure every employee working a holiday or shortened shift understands:

  • Who arms and disarms the system
  • Which doors must be checked before leaving
  • How to verify the alarm is fully set
  • Who to contact if something doesn’t look right

“A security system only works when everyone follows the same routine—especially when routines change.”

Posting a simple closing checklist near exits can prevent costly mistakes.

Alarm Checks Before Early Closings or Holiday Shutdowns

December is not the time to assume your alarm system is “probably fine.”

Before closing early or shutting down for the holidays:

  • Test your alarm system
  • Confirm monitoring is active
  • Verify emergency contact lists are current
  • Check motion detectors, door sensors, and cameras
  • Make sure outdoor lighting is working properly

If your business will be closed for several days, confirm that alerts will still reach the right people. A missed notification during a holiday weekend can turn a minor incident into a major loss.

The Small Business Administration also recommends reviewing security procedures before extended closures to reduce seasonal risk: https://www.sba.gov

Simple Steps That Make a Big Difference

You don’t need to overhaul your entire security setup to stay protected during the holidays. A few practical steps go a long way:

  • Lock and secure all secondary entrances
  • Keep exterior lights on timers
  • Remove cash and valuables from visible areas
  • Ensure alarms are armed every single night
  • Schedule a professional system check if you’re unsure

Consistency is what keeps businesses safe—especially when staffing and hours are anything but consistent.

Heading Into the New Year With Confidence

The holiday season should end with celebration, not stress over theft or damage. Taking time now to review your after-hours security helps protect everything you’ve worked hard to build.

If you want peace of mind going into the new year, a professional security review is a smart place to start.

Contact us today for a complimentary consultation and let’s make sure your business is protected—during the holidays and all year long.

From all of us, we wish you a safe, successful holiday season and a Happy New Year.

FAQ: Holiday Security for Small Businesses

Is December really a higher-risk month for break-ins?
Yes. Reduced staffing, early closings, and inconsistent routines make businesses easier targets.

Should I test my alarm system before holiday closures?
Absolutely. December is one of the most important times of year to confirm everything works properly.

What’s the biggest mistake businesses make during the holidays?
Assuming someone else armed the system—or that it doesn’t matter for “just one night.”

Steven Capogna
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