Holiday Season Break-Ins & Robberies: What Businesses Need to Know

Protecting Your People, Property, and Peace of Mind — A Seasonal Guide from Covenant Security Equipment

The holiday season brings a welcome surge in customers, sales, and activity — but it also brings heightened security risks that businesses cannot afford to ignore. Every year, retailers, restaurants, pharmacies, and service-based businesses report increases in theft-related incidents during November and December. These include shoplifting, smash-and-grab attacks, after-hours break-ins, and targeted robberies.

At Covenant Security Equipment, we understand how quickly these incidents can disrupt operations, put employees at risk, and impact the bottom line. Below, we break down the most common holiday-season crimes, which businesses are most vulnerable, and how you can strengthen your security strategy before peak traffic arrives.

Why Crime Rises During the Holidays

Even in years when overall property crime declines, the holiday shopping season consistently presents elevated risks. Key reasons include:

• Increased foot traffic — Crowded stores make it easier for shoplifters to blend in.

• High-value, gift-oriented merchandise — Popular electronics, cosmetics, jewelry, and tools become prime targets.

• Seasonal hiring — Temporary staff may have less training and experience spotting theft.

• Extended operating hours — Longer evenings create more exposure to robbery and burglary.

• Higher delivery volume — Packages, curbside pickups, and inventory shipments create opportunities for theft.

The result? A seasonal environment where thieves know chances are higher — and response time may be slower.

Businesses Most at Risk During the Holiday Season

1. Convenience Stores & Small Retailers

Long hours, quick customer turnover, and cash transactions make these locations particularly vulnerable.
Common crimes: robbery, cash theft, grab-and-run shoplifting, late-night break-ins.

2. Big-Box & Department Stores

These stores carry high-demand items and draw massive foot traffic — a combination that attracts both opportunistic thieves and organized retail crime groups.
Common crimes: shoplifting, coordinated smash-and-grab thefts, ORC activity.

3. Jewelry, Luxury Goods & Specialty Shops

High-value items that are small and easy to conceal make these stores prime targets.
Common crimes: smash-and-grabs, after-hours burglaries, armed robberies.

4. Pharmacies

Pharmacies face a unique mix of risks due to valuable medications and predictable stocking patterns.
Common crimes: robbery, prescription theft, targeted break-ins.

5. Restaurants & Bars

Cash-heavy operations and late hours heighten exposure.
Common crimes: robbery, employee theft, after-hours burglary.

6. Warehouses & Distribution Centers

Holiday shipping surges significantly increase internal and external theft risks.
Common crimes: cargo theft, inventory loss, forced entry.

Common Holiday Crimes — And Where They Happen

Understanding the specific threats your business faces is the first step toward building a strong security plan.

• Shoplifting / Grab-and-Run
  Most common in apparel, electronics, convenience, and grocery retail environments.

• Smash-and-Grab Theft
  Targets high-value merchandise in luxury, tech, and specialty stores.

• After-Hours Burglary
  Frequent at jewelry stores, small retailers, and restaurants.

• Robbery
  Particularly common at convenience stores, gas stations, and pharmacies — especially late at night.

• Package and Delivery Theft
  A growing issue for businesses with curbside pickup or heavy inbound deliveries.

• Internal or Employee Theft
  Particularly relevant during peak seasonal hiring.

How to Strengthen Your Security This Holiday Season

A few strategic improvements can drastically reduce your risk. Covenant Security Equipment recommends focusing on these high-impact actions:

1. Increase Visible Security Measures

• Bright exterior lighting

• Motion-activated security cameras

• Surveillance covering entrances, registers, and parking lots

Visible deterrence is one of the simplest and most effective tools for discouraging theft.

2. Strengthen Cash and Inventory Controls

• Use drop safes and limit register cash

• Secure high-value items in locked cases

• Track inventory more frequently during peak weeks

3. Improve Store Layout and Visibility

• Reduce blind spots

• Keep expensive items near staffed areas

• Position checkout counters close to exits where feasible

4. Secure Deliveries and Pickups

• Verify IDs for curbside orders

• Use secure pickup lockers or monitored pickup zones

• Keep high-value shipments in restricted-access areas

5. Reinforce After-Hours Protection

• Test alarm systems

• Reinforce doors and windows

• Consider overnight security patrols or monitoring

How Covenant Security Equipment Can Help

Whether you operate a single storefront or manage multiple locations, your security strategy should be tailored to your unique risks. Our range of transaction windows, bullet-resistant products, secure pass-through systems, communication equipment, and protective barriers is built to help businesses:

• Reduce the risk of robbery

• Protect staff during face-to-face transactions

• Secure assets after hours

• Improve customer and employee confidence

• Maintain safer operations year-round

Every business deserves peace of mind — especially during the busiest time of the year.

The holidays are a critical season for sales, customer experience, and revenue — but they also demand heightened awareness. With the right preparation and the right equipment, you can minimize risks, protect your team, and keep your business running smoothly through the end of the year and beyond.

If you’d like help building a custom holiday security plan or choosing the right protective equipment, Covenant Security Equipment is here to support you.