Each year there is an increase in the number of personal items and accessories are stolen from vehicles and homes during the holiday season. As we enter the autumn and winter months and move close to the busy holiday season, there are several things to be aware of:
- With colder months approaching and longer hours of darkness, people will not tend to be out as much. Pay particular attention to your residential surroundings, taking note of people and/or vehicles you have not seen before.
- As online shopping has increased with the ongoing pandemic, make certain that packages delivered to your residence/ business are moved inside as soon as possible. Thieves are riding the areas and looking for easy target items to take off porches and carports. If you plan to be away during delivery times, consider having packages held by the carrier, delivered to an alternate address, or collected by a neighbor.
- We live in a densely populated area that experiences transient individuals roaming the area seeking out opportunistic items to acquire. Avoid becoming an easy target for holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items out for everyone to see. Break these items down for recycling or sanitation pick up.
- Residents are encouraged to remove valuables, including firearms, cash, and electronics from their vehicles and secure their vehicles when not in use. Even an empty purse or bag can be enticing since thieves might not know what it does or does not contain. Even spare change, sunglasses, cell phones or briefcases may tempt a thief.
By following these guidelines and practicing personal security measures, we can successfully navigate through the winter holiday season.
Wishing you and yours a safe and happy season,
Lynn O. Thomas
Chief of Police
Avondale Estates Police Department