79.9 Million Americans Traveling for Thanksgiving 2025: How to Protect Your NJ & PA Home From Break-Ins
With 79.9 million Americans traveling for Thanksgiving (November 27), burglaries spike in November—the highest-risk month. Learn 9 essential security steps to protect your NJ & PA home while you're away.
Thanksgiving 2025: November 27 (21 Days Away)
November experiences the highest burglary rates of any month. With 79.9 million Americans traveling November 26-December 2, empty homes become prime targets. Most burglaries occur 10 AM-3 PM when homes appear unoccupied. Don't wait—secure your home now.
Quick Answer
To protect your home during Thanksgiving travel: (1) Install smart lighting on timers to simulate occupancy, (2) Arm your security system and enable remote monitoring, (3) Use video doorbells to monitor your property, (4) Stop mail and package deliveries, (5) Never post travel plans on social media, (6) Have a trusted neighbor check your property, (7) Lock all windows and doors, (8) Set HVAC to vacation mode, and (9) Enable professional 24/7 monitoring. November is the highest-risk month for burglaries, with most break-ins occurring between 10 AM-3 PM when homes are empty.
2025 Thanksgiving Travel: Record Numbers Leaving Homes Empty
AAA projects 79.9 million travelers will head 50 miles or more from home over the Thanksgiving holiday travel period from November 26 to December 2, marking an increase of 1.7 million people compared to last year and 2 million more than pre-pandemic 2019 levels. Airlines for America expects over 31 million passengers to fly on U.S. carriers during this period—an all-time high.
For New Jersey and Pennsylvania residents, this represents hundreds of thousands of empty homes across Mercer County, Bucks County, Montgomery County, and surrounding areas. With families traveling to New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, and beyond, burglars know exactly which neighborhoods will be vacant—and when.
Why November Has the Highest Burglary Rates
Key Burglary Patterns:
- November experiences the highest burglary rates of any month annually due to Thanksgiving travel and holiday shopping
- Most burglaries occur 10 AM-3 PM on weekdays when homes appear empty during typical work hours
- Daytime burglaries (216,601) outnumber nighttime (174,053) nationally, with criminals preferring unoccupied homes
- Friday is the highest-risk day for burglaries, coinciding with Black Friday (November 28, 2025)
- Homes of social media users who post travel plans are 3x more likely to be targeted by burglars
The convergence of factors—massive travel volumes, shorter daylight hours, holiday shopping creating valuable targets, and social media posts announcing empty homes—makes Thanksgiving week particularly dangerous. Burglars specifically monitor travel patterns and target affluent NJ and PA suburbs like Princeton, Hamilton Township, Doylestown, Newtown, and Lower Makefield where families are most likely to travel.
9 Essential Security Steps Before Thanksgiving Travel
1. Smart Lighting on Randomized Timers
Answer: Set multiple lights on random schedules to simulate occupancy
Smart lighting systems on randomized timers are the most effective deterrent for simulating occupancy. Unlike traditional timers that turn lights on/off at the same time daily (which burglars recognize), smart systems vary timing by 15-30 minutes each day, creating realistic patterns that suggest someone is home.
Implementation Strategy:
- Living room lights: 6:00-11:00 PM (± 30 min random variation)
- Bedroom lights: 10:00 PM-6:00 AM (simulates sleep schedule)
- Kitchen lights: 7:00-9:00 AM and 6:00-8:00 PM (meal times)
- Exterior lights: Dusk-to-dawn motion sensors (always active)
Cost: Smart bulbs: $15-25 each | Smart switches: $25-50 each | Complete system: $200-500
Best systems: Philips Hue, Lutron Caséta, Leviton Decora Smart
2. Arm Your Security System & Enable Remote Monitoring
Answer: Always arm your system before leaving and monitor via smartphone app
Modern security systems allow complete remote control via smartphone apps, providing real-time monitoring from anywhere. You can view live camera feeds, receive instant alerts, arm/disarm the system, and even communicate through two-way audio—all from your Thanksgiving dinner table.
Pre-Travel Security Checklist:
- Test all sensors: Walk through your home testing every door/window sensor
- Verify backup battery: Ensure system has fresh backup power in case of outages
- Update contact list: Add emergency contacts who can respond if you're unavailable
- Enable vacation mode: Activate settings that adjust sensitivity for empty homes
Popular systems: Alarm.com, Honeywell Total Connect, Qolsys IQ Panel
Monitoring cost: $25-60/month for professional 24/7 monitoring
3. Video Doorbells & Security Cameras with Cloud Storage
Answer: Install cameras with cloud storage and mobile alerts for 24/7 monitoring
Video doorbells and outdoor cameras provide visual verification of your property status while traveling. Cloud storage ensures footage is preserved even if devices are stolen or damaged, and instant mobile alerts notify you of any activity within seconds.
Essential Camera Features:
- Motion detection zones: Set specific areas to monitor (driveways, doors, windows)
- Two-way audio: Communicate with visitors or deter intruders remotely
- Night vision: Clear footage 24/7 regardless of lighting conditions
- Cloud storage: Automatic backup of all footage to prevent local storage tampering
Top brands: Ring, Nest, Arlo, Eufy
Cost: Video doorbell: $150-300 | Outdoor cameras: $100-400 each | Cloud storage: $3-10/month
4. Stop All Mail & Package Deliveries
Answer: Use USPS Hold Mail (free) and arrange neighbor pickup for packages
Accumulated mail, newspapers, and packages are the clearest signals that a home is empty. Burglars specifically look for these indicators when casing neighborhoods. USPS offers free Hold Mail service that stores all deliveries at your local post office for up to 30 days.
Delivery Management Options:
- USPS Hold Mail: Free service at USPS.com, holds all mail at post office
- Amazon deliveries: Use Amazon Hub Locker or reschedule to after return date
- UPS/FedEx: Reroute to UPS Store/Access Point or hold at facility
- Trusted neighbor: Provide smart lock code or spare key for daily collection
Pro tip: If you have a trusted neighbor collecting packages, give them a one-time smart lock access code that expires when you return. This is safer than physical keys and provides an activity log.
5. Never Post Travel Plans on Social Media
Answer: Wait until you return home to share Thanksgiving vacation photos
Burglars actively monitor Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to identify empty homes. Posts about traveling for Thanksgiving, airport check-ins, or vacation countdowns directly inform criminals when your home will be vacant and for how long.
Social Media Security Rules:
- No pre-trip posts: Don't announce travel plans before or during your trip
- Disable location tagging: Turn off automatic location sharing on all platforms
- Check privacy settings: Ensure posts are visible only to trusted friends, not public
- Wait to share: Post vacation photos after returning home safely
Warning: Studies show homes of people who post travel plans are 3x more likely to be burglarized. Even "private" posts can be shared or screenshotted by acquaintances with malicious intent.
6. Trusted Neighbor or House Sitter
Answer: Arrange daily property checks with a trusted local contact
Having someone physically check your property daily is one of the most effective deterrents. Trusted neighbors or professional house sitters can collect mail, adjust blinds, park different cars in your driveway, and verify security systems are functioning properly.
Neighbor Check Responsibilities:
- Daily walkthrough: Check all doors/windows, collect mail/packages
- Vary timing: Visit at different times each day to appear random
- Car rotation: Move vehicles occasionally if left in driveway
- Immediate alerts: Contact you and police immediately if anything suspicious
Professional option: House sitting services charge $25-75/day in NJ & PA and provide bonded, insured professionals who stay overnight in your home.
7. Complete Security Walkthrough: Lock Everything
Answer: Methodically check and secure every entry point before leaving
Most burglaries exploit unlocked doors and windows, not sophisticated break-in techniques. A systematic walkthrough of your entire property ensures no vulnerabilities are overlooked in the rush of Thanksgiving travel preparations.
Pre-Departure Security Checklist:
- All exterior doors: Locked with deadbolts engaged
- Every window: Closed and locked, including second-story windows
- Garage doors: Fully closed with door to house locked
- Sliding glass doors: Locked with security bar in track
- Remove access tools: Store ladders, hide spare keys, secure tools
- Basement/attic entries: Often overlooked but critical to secure
8. HVAC & Utilities on Vacation Mode
Answer: Adjust thermostats and water heaters to save energy while protecting pipes
Smart thermostats can be set to "vacation mode" which maintains minimum temperatures to prevent frozen pipes while reducing energy costs. November in NJ and PA can bring freezing temperatures, making pipe protection critical.
Utility Settings:
- Thermostat: Set to 55°F minimum to prevent frozen pipes
- Water heater: Set to "vacation" mode or turn off entirely
- Water main: Consider shutting off to prevent leaks/flooding
- Unplug electronics: Reduce fire risk and save phantom power costs
9. Professional 24/7 Monitoring Service
Answer: Enable temporary or permanent monitoring for instant police response
Professional monitoring centers provide 24/7 surveillance with direct police dispatch if break-ins occur. When your security system detects activity, trained operators verify the threat via cameras and immediately contact local authorities—typically within 60 seconds.
Monitoring Service Benefits:
- Faster police response: Monitored alarms get priority dispatch vs DIY systems
- Video verification: Operators review footage to confirm real threats
- Fire & medical alerts: Comprehensive protection beyond burglary
- Backup communication: Multiple contact methods if you're unreachable
Cost: $25-60/month ongoing | $99-150 temporary Thanksgiving week monitoring
Local advantage: NJ & PA security companies provide faster response (15-20 min) vs national brands
Local Security Providers vs. National Companies
| Feature | Local NJ/PA Provider | National Company (ADT, SimpliSafe) |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency Response Time | 15-20 minutes (local technicians) | 45-90 minutes (regional dispatch) |
| Local Police Relationships | Direct partnerships with Mercer & Bucks County PD | Generic 911 dispatch protocols |
| Thanksgiving Week Monitoring | $99 temporary service available | Requires long-term contract ($600+ minimum) |
| Installation Timeline | 24-48 hours (same-week appointments) | 1-2 weeks scheduling delay |
| System Customization | Fully custom for your property/neighborhood | Standardized packages |
| Support Contact | Direct owner/manager phone | Call center (long hold times) |
Security Dynamics has protected Mercer County and Bucks County homes for over 40 years, providing the local expertise and rapid response that national companies cannot match. Our technicians live in your community, understand NJ/PA crime patterns, and maintain direct relationships with township police departments across Princeton, Hamilton Township, Doylestown, Newtown, and surrounding areas.
Business Security During Thanksgiving Closures
Businesses face heightened burglary risks during extended Thanksgiving closures when offices sit empty for 4-5 days. Commercial properties in Mercer County corporate parks (Princeton, Hamilton, Robbinsville) and Bucks County business districts (Doylestown, Newtown, Bensalem) should implement enhanced security protocols.
Commercial Security Recommendations:
- Lock down server rooms and data centers with enhanced access controls
- Activate vacation mode on HVAC systems while maintaining minimum temperatures
- Enable continuous video recording instead of motion-only to capture all activity
- Schedule security patrols for high-value inventory locations
- Verify alarm codes haven't been shared with terminated employees
Case Study: How a Hamilton Township Family Prevented a Thanksgiving Break-In
The Martinez family (name changed for privacy) in Hamilton Township, NJ traveled to Boston for Thanksgiving 2024 (November 23-29). They implemented comprehensive security measures after their neighbor's home was burglarized during Thanksgiving 2023.
Security Implementation:
- Smart lighting system on randomized timers (Lutron Caséta)
- Ring video doorbell with professional monitoring ($10/month)
- Outdoor cameras covering driveway and back entrance
- Trusted neighbor with smart lock temporary access code
- Security Dynamics 24/7 monitoring ($45/month)
What Happened:
On Thanksgiving Day (November 28), cameras detected a suspicious vehicle circling the neighborhood at 11:30 AM. The same vehicle returned at 2:15 PM and an individual approached the front door. Video doorbell captured clear footage, and the monitoring center verified the threat, immediately contacting Hamilton Township Police.
Outcome:
Police arrived within 8 minutes (local monitoring center's priority dispatch)
Suspect apprehended attempting to enter garage door
Zero property damage or loss — visible cameras and instant monitoring response prevented break-in
Key takeaway: The combination of visible deterrents (cameras, smart lighting) and professional monitoring with local police relationships provided layered protection that prevented what would have been a successful burglary.
Frequently Asked Questions About Thanksgiving Travel Security
What time of day do most burglaries occur during Thanksgiving travel?
Most burglaries during Thanksgiving travel occur between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM on weekdays when homes are typically empty. Daytime burglaries (216,601 incidents nationally) significantly outnumber nighttime incidents (174,053), with criminals specifically targeting unoccupied homes during standard work hours when travelers are away.
Should I post about my Thanksgiving travel plans on social media?
Never post Thanksgiving travel plans on social media before or during your trip. Burglars actively monitor Facebook, Instagram, and other platforms to identify empty homes. Wait until you return home to share vacation photos. Studies show homes of people who post travel plans are 3x more likely to be targeted by burglars.
How much does professional monitoring cost during the holidays?
Professional 24/7 security monitoring typically costs $25-$60 per month depending on features. For Thanksgiving travel specifically, many NJ & PA security companies offer temporary monitoring services starting at $99 for the holiday week. This includes 24/7 surveillance, instant alerts, video verification, and police dispatch if break-ins occur.
What should I do with packages delivered while traveling for Thanksgiving?
Have all mail and packages stopped through USPS Hold Mail service (free) or arrange for a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries daily. Packages sitting on porches signal an empty home. Alternative solutions include Amazon Hub Locker, UPS Access Point, or rescheduling deliveries to after your return. Smart video doorbells with package detection can alert trusted neighbors immediately when deliveries arrive.
Can I monitor my home security system while traveling?
Yes. Modern smart home security systems allow remote monitoring via smartphone apps from anywhere. You can view live camera feeds, arm/disarm systems, control smart locks, adjust lighting schedules, and receive instant alerts for any activity. Systems like Alarm.com integrate all security devices into one app, providing complete control while you are traveling for Thanksgiving.
Are fake TV simulators effective for Thanksgiving home security?
Fake TV simulators can be moderately effective as a supplemental deterrent. These $20-40 devices create flickering light that mimics a television through windows, suggesting someone is home. However, they should never replace actual security systems. Studies show professional burglars can identify fake TV lights. The most effective approach combines smart lighting on randomized timers with actual security cameras and monitoring.
Why does November have the highest burglary rates?
November experiences the highest burglary rates annually due to Thanksgiving travel (79.9 million Americans away from home), shorter daylight hours providing more darkness for cover, and the start of holiday shopping season when homes contain more valuable packages and gifts. Additionally, many people lower their guard during family-focused holidays, creating opportunities for burglars who specifically track holiday travel patterns.
Protect Your Home This Thanksgiving — Don't Become a Statistic
With Thanksgiving just 21 days away (November 27) and 79.9 million Americans traveling, November's peak burglary season is here. Don't wait until the last minute to secure your home. The 9 steps outlined above create layered protection that deters burglars, provides remote monitoring peace of mind, and ensures rapid police response if threats occur.
Whether you implement DIY smart home solutions or partner with professional monitoring services, the key is taking action now—before you leave. Empty homes are prime targets, but visible security systems, smart lighting, and 24/7 monitoring create formidable barriers that send burglars looking for easier opportunities.
Take Action Before You Travel:
- Schedule a free security assessment before Thanksgiving (limited availability)
- Get temporary holiday monitoring ($99/week) or comprehensive system installation
- Receive instant mobile app access for remote property monitoring
Serving Mercer County NJ & Bucks County PA since 1985 | Family-owned & operated | 40+ years protecting your community
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