Kevin McCallister Could Have Outsmarted the Wet Bandits with Smart Home Devices

"Home Alone" is a classic holiday movie that has entertained audiences for decades with its humor, heartwarming moments, and the clever antics of young Kevin McCallister. Left behind by his family during Christmas, Kevin finds himself defending his home against two bumbling burglars, the Wet Bandits. While Kevin’s DIY traps and quick thinking make for great entertainment, it’s hard not to wonder how different things might have been if the McCallister home had been outfitted with modern smart home devices. Let’s explore how today’s technology could have kept Kevin safe and sound without needing to resort to paint cans and ice-covered steps.

One of Kevin’s biggest challenges was keeping an eye on the Wet Bandits and anticipating their moves. With smart security cameras, Kevin wouldn’t have had to rely on peeking out of windows to monitor the burglars. A set of strategically placed cameras, like the Ring or Nest cameras, would have provided Kevin with real-time video feeds that he could check from a smartphone or tablet. Motion-activated alerts could have notified him the moment Harry and Marv set foot on the property, giving him plenty of time to prepare—or better yet, call for help.

How It Helps: Kevin could have tracked the burglars’ every move from the safety of a locked room, allowing him to outmaneuver them without taking unnecessary risks.

One of the movie's key plot points is that Kevin is alone in a big house with multiple entry points. Smart locks could have turned this vulnerability into an asset. With a system like the August Smart Lock or Schlage Encode, Kevin could have locked and unlocked doors remotely, preventing the Wet Bandits from getting in at all. Even if Harry and Marv had tried to pick a lock, Kevin could have received an instant alert on his phone, allowing him to re-secure the door with a tap of a button.

How It Helps: Smart locks could have kept the burglars out entirely, saving Kevin from having to fend them off with makeshift traps.

Remember the iconic scene where Kevin uses a cardboard cutout of Michael Jordan and other household items to create the illusion of a lively party? While ingenious, a smart video doorbell like the Ring Video Doorbell could have simplified the situation. Equipped with two-way audio and video, the doorbell would have allowed Kevin to see who was outside and talk to the burglars without ever opening the door. He could have pretended an adult was home or even triggered a prerecorded message to scare them off.

How It Helps: Kevin could have deterred the burglars by making them believe someone was always watching—no elaborate setups required.

In "Home Alone," Kevin had to manually turn on lights and create shadows to make it appear as though people were home. Smart lighting systems, like Philips Hue, would have made this task effortless. Kevin could have set the lights to turn on and off at different times, creating the illusion of activity throughout the house. Paired with motion sensors, smart lights could have automatically lit up the exterior and interior whenever someone approached, making the house a far less appealing target for the Wet Bandits.

How It Helps: Automated lighting would have made the house look occupied without Kevin needing to lift a finger, potentially scaring off the burglars before they even got close.

Kevin’s biggest disadvantage was his inability to call for help quickly. A smart alarm system could have changed everything. Systems like SimpliSafe could have automatically contacted authorities the moment the burglars tried to break in. With door and window sensors, as well as glass break detectors, Kevin wouldn’t have needed to handle everything on his own. Even if the burglars managed to get inside, the alarm would have been triggered, sending help right away.

How It Helps: An automatic alarm system would have ensured that Kevin had backup on the way, preventing the situation from escalating to the point where he needed to fend off the intruders himself.

While "Home Alone" is a beloved classic, the truth is that modern smart home technology could have made Kevin’s ordeal a lot less stressful—and potentially a lot safer. With smart cameras, locks, lights, and alarm systems, Kevin could have kept the Wet Bandits at bay without relying on his creativity and resourcefulness alone. While it’s fun to imagine what Kevin might have done with access to smart devices, the real takeaway is that today’s technology offers unparalleled security and convenience, allowing you to protect your home—even when you’re not there.

At Naples Smart Home Watch, we believe your home can watch itself. We assess your needs and recommend smart home watch solutions that keep an eye on your property while you’re away. Contact us today for a home watch smart home solution that fits your need.