Staying Safe During the Holidays: Tips from a Los Angeles Private Investigator

The holiday season in Los Angeles is one of the most vibrant times of the year. From festive lights glowing across neighborhoods to bustling shopping centers and family gatherings, it’s a season filled with joy, excitement, and connection. But alongside all the celebrations comes a surprising number of safety risks that many people overlook. Whether it’s the rise in package theft, crowded holiday events, increased travel, or online shopping scams, the holidays tend to create the perfect environment for opportunistic criminals—and the perfect storm for accidents, disputes, and unexpected challenges.

At Kinsey Investigations, a woman-owned and highly respected private investigations agency based in Los Angeles, we see firsthand how the holiday season affects safety, relationships, businesses, and families. People may be distracted, schedules change, routines are disrupted, and the pressure of the holidays often brings underlying issues to the surface. It’s a time of joy, yes – but also a time when vigilance matters more than ever.

Many of the calls our team receives during November, December, and early January are from people who suddenly find themselves facing situations they didn’t anticipate: a missing loved one who hasn’t shown up for a family gathering, concerns about a caregiver’s behavior, suspicions about a partner’s unexplained holiday absences, or signs of internal theft within a business preparing for year-end inventory. We also see an uptick in scam victims, identity theft cases, and individuals needing help verifying contractors, online sellers, or seasonal employees.

The good news is that with awareness, planning, and a little expert insight, you can greatly reduce your risks, protecting not only yourself, but your family, your home, and your peace of mind during the holidays. In this guide, we’re sharing professional tips from our experienced investigators to help you stay safe, stay prepared, and enjoy the season with confidence.

Secure Your Home Before You Travel

The holidays usually bring a spike in travel as people head out of town to visit loved ones. Unfortunately, empty homes are prime targets for burglars. As private investigators, we’ve helped many clients review and secure their homes after break-ins – often incidents that could have been prevented with just a few precautions.

Here’s what we recommend:

1. Keep Your Departure Private

While it’s tempting to post your travel plans online, holiday thieves actively monitor social media for clues about empty homes. Avoid announcing your trip until you’re back.

2. Use Timers and Automated Lighting

Make your home appear occupied. Simple timers or smart lights that turn on in different rooms during the evening can significantly deter criminals.

3. Ask Someone to Check In

Have a trusted friend or neighbor collect mail, packages, and keep an eye on the property. A pileup of deliveries is a clear signal no one is home.

4. Consider a Professional Wellness or Property Check

Kinsey Investigations offers discreet property checks for traveling clients, including surveillance, digital monitoring support, and real-time updates.

Protect Your Packages and Deliveries

Porch piracy has become one of the most common holiday crimes in Los Angeles. With the increase in online shopping, thieves know they can easily grab packages left in plain sight.

Here’s how to prevent your gifts from becoming someone else’s:

• Use Amazon Lockers or secure pickup locations whenever possible.
• Request delivery notifications so you can bring items inside quickly.
• Install a video doorbell or security camera facing your porch.
• Ask neighbors to help retrieve packages if you’re not home.
• Schedule deliveries for times you’re present, or have them shipped to your workplace if allowed.

A simple adjustment in delivery habits can prevent hundreds – or thousands – of dollars in losses.

Stay Safe at LA’s Crowded Holiday Events

From The Grove’s nightly snowfall to theme park celebrations and holiday parades, Los Angeles is packed with seasonal events. But crowded spaces can make you more vulnerable to theft, scams, and personal safety risks.

Our investigators recommend:

1. Keep Personal Items Minimal

Carry only what you need – and keep your phone, wallet, and keys in a front or zipped pocket.

2. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

Distractions make people vulnerable. Keep an eye on who’s nearby, especially when navigating crowds or public transportation.

3. Decide on a Family Meeting Point

If you’re with children or a group, choose a specific place to meet in case someone gets separated.

4. Avoid Unofficial Vendors or Off-Site Parking Offers

Scams are common during large events. Stick to official parking lots and legitimate vendors.

Be Extra Cautious with Online Shopping and Holiday Scams

Online shopping surges during the holidays, and so do digital scams. At Kinsey Investigations, we often assist individuals dealing with fraudulent sellers, identity theft, or hacked financial accounts during this time of year.

Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Only shop from reputable websites.
  If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.
• Watch for fake tracking numbers.
  Scammers often use bogus shipment details to stall victims.
• Monitor your bank accounts daily.
  Report suspicious charges immediately.
• Enable two-factor authentication on your email, bank accounts, and any online retail accounts.

If you suspect you’re being targeted or have fallen victim to a scam, a private investigator can help confirm the scammer’s identity, collect evidence, and work alongside authorities or legal counsel.

Safeguard Your Relationships and Loved Ones

The holiday season can put significant stress on personal relationships. Our investigators see a rise in cases such as:

• infidelity concerns
• co-parenting or custody disputes
• elderly family members experiencing neglect or fraud
• missing or estranged relatives

If you find yourself worried about a loved one’s behavior or well-being, it’s important to trust your instincts and seek help.

When a PI Can Help:

• Custody Investigations: Ensuring children are safe and parenting plans are being followed.
• Infidelity Investigations: Gathering discreet, factual information to bring clarity to confusing situations.
• Wellness Checks on Seniors: Verifying caregivers, checking for signs of abuse or fraud, and ensuring vulnerable loved ones are safe.
• Missing Persons and Locates: Helping reconnect families or track down individuals who haven’t shown up for holiday gatherings.

Kinsey Investigations handles these cases with compassion, professionalism, and absolute discretion, especially during the emotional pressure of the holidays.

Protect Your Business During the Year-End Rush

Retailers, restaurants, and corporate offices all experience unique risks during the holidays. Inventory is higher, cash flow increases, temporary employees come on board, and holiday parties create additional liability.

Businesses should consider:

• Monitoring for internal theft or fraud
• Verifying seasonal workers with background checks
• Documenting workplace behavior at holiday events
• Protecting inventory and assets during extended hours

Kinsey Investigations works with many small businesses and large companies across the Los Angeles area, helping them reduce losses, document incidents, and safeguard their employees and customers.

Final Thoughts: Your Safety Is Worth Planning For

The holidays should be filled with celebration, connection, and relaxation – not stress, uncertainty, or risk. By taking a few proactive steps, you can dramatically reduce the chances of encountering holiday-related safety issues. And if something does arise, you don’t have to face it alone.

As one of Los Angeles’s most trusted woman-owned private investigation agencies, Kinsey Investigations is here to help protect what matters most to you—your family, your home, your peace of mind, and your future.

If you need help this holiday season, reach out to our team for discreet, professional support. We’re here whenever you need us, so you can focus on enjoying the season safely and confidently.