Holiday shopping, travel tips from law enforcement
Holiday season brings a spike in home and car break-ins, according to law enforcement officers.
Some ways to avoid becoming a victim, police recommend not to post your vacation plans on social media. Criminals can use that information to find out when you won’t be home.
Criminals also look for stacked up mail or newspapers on your porch. Ask the postal service and newspaper to suspend delivery if you’ll be away for an extended period of time.
Automatic timers can also deter would-be thieves. Law enforcement officials recommend using them on radios and televisions as well as lights.
When holiday shopping, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and where you parked in the parking lot. If you plan on returning to the store, officials recommend moving your car to another part of the parking lot to give the appearance you have left the area with your purchases.
After opening your gifts, officials do not recommend leaving the boxes for expensive items on the curb for collection. Instead, break them down and put them in trash bags to conceal the box and your purchase.
