Local police advise taking extra precautions to safeguard both your car and your house during the Christmas season.
Automobiles are at higher risk of break-in this time of year because that’s where you stash your stuff between stores. While shopping, park in well-lighted lots and lock your purchases in the trunk. One of the best anti-theft strategies is to shop with several friends, police officers say. And, of course, never, never, never leave your purse or wallet unattended.
Your house also is attractive to burglars, as it is likely to hold a trove of treasures waiting to be exchanged with family and friends. Police advise against putting discarded packaging in the front yard to await trash pickup, as this advertises to would-be thieves what they can find inside your house.
If you are traveling over the holidays, tell your neighbors that you’ll be away so they can be aware of any unusual activity around your house. Leave some lights on so that thieves can’t hide in the cover of darkness. It’s also a good idea to inform your local police department, because they will increase patrols in neighborhoods where they know homeowners are away.
Your vigilance may not stop determined thieves from stealing altogether, but it can prevent their stealing from you.
