Halloween is over, so it's time to start thinking about the holidays!
Each year, along with all the joys of the holiday season, we also see an increase in
criminal activity. Most of these are crimes of convenience or
opportunity. According to the FBI, nearly 400,000 burglaries occur in the US from November through December each year.
Here are some tips to avoid
becoming a victim of the holiday thief:
•Do not leave
valuables in your vehicles - especially computers, electronics or wallets.
•Do not store
presents in the garage or in a vehicle.
•Lock all
vehicles.
•When
possible, keep all vehicles in a garage and keep the
garage door closed.
•Keep all
windows and doors locked – both to your vehicle and to your home.
•If you have
an alarm – use it! Consider installing a system if you do not currently have
one in place.
•Only turn on
Christmas tree lights when someone is home.
•Use outdoor
lights as a deterrent. Motion-detector spotlights
are great!
•Place all
outdoor lights and some indoor lights/TVs on timers when you are out of town.
•Take a reserved approach when displaying expensive
decorations and gifts – if they can be seen from the street, there is a good
chance that these valuables could end up on a burglar’s wish list!
•After the holidays – be careful when discarding empty boxes from items like computers, flat screen TVs, etc. Instead, break them down, put them in large bags, and place them in your recycle bin or trash can. Another option is taking them directly to the recycle center.
•Keep plant
material pruned below window level. Also make sure large bushes, hedges, and trees are kept pruned to avoid giving burglar's easy hiding spots in your yard.
•Do not store
ladders outside where they are easily accessible.
•Shred all
documents that may contain personal information before disposal.
•Arrange to have your mail picked up or held when you are out of town. Stop newspapers or have them picked up.
•Do not use your mailbox for outgoing mail. Drop all mail in a U.S. Postal Service mailbox.
•Let a trusted neighbor know when you will be out of town. Make sure the neighbor has your contact information in case of emergency.
•Let your local police department know you will be out of town. Most police departments will add the home to a watch list and check the property a few times while you are out of town.
•Do not open your door for people you are not expecting.
•Be aware of your neighbors and surroundings.
•Report all suspicious activity to 9-1-1 immediately!
Obviously,
some of these tips apply throughout the entire year and not just during the
holidays. However, preventing break-ins by
increasing your home security during the holidays should be part of your plan
during the busy and wonderfully hectic season of shopping and gift-giving,
decorating and celebrating with friends and family. Don’t let an
incident, like a burglary, dampen your holiday season!