Home burglaries increase over the holidays: how to stay safe

In 2015 to date, there have been over 800 burglaries in Columbia, and while the holidays are a time of celebration for many, they also present an increased opportunity for criminals.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department said this is because thieves know people are traveling and they are aware that people have more items of value in their homes.

Detective Tom O’Sullivan told ABC17 it’s “obviously important to lock your doors,” but added that residents need to have a “good lock,” noting, “a door is only as good as the lock that’s on it.”

Criminals are looking for the easiest home to break in to, so if your house is too difficult to burglarize, they will often go to the next location. However, it’s still important to take precautionary measures.

“Have your mail stopped, have your newspaper delivery stopped, leave a car in the driveway. You might want to tell a trusted neighbor what your travel plans are,” O’Sullivan advised.

James and Renee Shelby of the home watch service Shelby’s Watch told ABC17 the number one mistake people make is rushing to leave their homes.

And most importantly, keep your travel plans off of social media.

“[People] want to advertise where they’re going,” James Shelby told ABC17 News. “So when you do that, you’re inviting people to come into your house.”

With Black Friday approaching people should also be sure not to place empty boxes from expensive items in front of their homes.