Theives and Christmas

Thieves love the holidays. They really do. You are their prime target, you have a little bit of money, it's hectic, your mind is not always on safety and you are thinking of a hundred tasks that still remain to be accomplished at home. Thieves love you. Here are some things to remember to keep you safe during this holiday season:

- Quickly unload holiday purchases from your car.

- Be alert to public works crews and other personnel requesting
access to the residence. Verify their identity before allowing
entry to your home.

- Write down the license plate number of suspicious vehicles and
note the description of occupants.

-When socializing at parties over the holiday's don't talk
shop around those who don't have a need to know. Be wary of attempts to elicit information, even from friends and family.

- If you use a home security system or employ a security
patrol company, the holiday season is a good time to reacquaint yourself and your family with pertinent procedures and telephone numbers.

- Keep your purchases out of sight (in a closet, etc.).

- If you display gifts under a tree, keep nearby windows closed and drapes/blinds shut at night and while no one is at home.

- Watch what you throw away. Your holiday trash could make you a target. Boxes from expensive items like jewelry or electronics, left curbside for trash collection provide good indicators to potential burglars about what high value items are located in the household.

- Break down the boxes, throw them in a bag, or put them
out just before trash collection time.

Take out a few minutes for caution and you will have a safer holiday.