Thunder Bay – NEWS – After all of the presents are opened, over the holidays, many people step back a little, and are likely to drop their guard over some of the usual precautions they take.
The Christmas presents you got can become a target for thieves who are on the lookout for new and expensive items. Electronics, computers, television sets can be their targets if you are not careful.
Thieves can quickly ascertain what you received on your Christmas wish list by simply driving by and looking at the gift boxes put out to the curb for garbage pickup. Criminals can easily gauge which house would make a great target based on the advertisement left out for them each year.
The Ontario Provincial Police want to remind people to take the following steps to help protect themselves from prospective criminals:
- It is best to take boxes from large ticket items directly to a recycling depot when possible
- Shred any and all receipts and financial documents meant for the garbage
- If you need to place boxes at the curbside, break down and cut down boxes to a smaller size and turn inside out
- Arrange to have a trusted person gather your garbage cans if you will be away
In addition, police are passing along the following post-holiday suggestions to help keep residents safe:
- Ensure your mail is gathered as soon as possible. If you have home mail delivery and will be away, either delay your delivery or have a trusted person retrieve your mail for you
- Avoid posting your new gifts on social media
- Make your home looked lived in while away
- Remember to always keep your vehicles and homes locked or you may lose what is inside
Thieves often look for the easiest target with the biggest, quickest return and by following these tips you can help prevent becoming a victim of property crime this holiday season.
