Crime rates often increase around the holidays. Theft and property crimes, in particular, are common between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. It has a lot to do with holiday shopping and available opportunities for thieves. Reduce the chances of being victim to such crimes by following these holiday safety tips for MA residents.
Secure Package Deliveries
Packages delivered during the day are often left on doorsteps. Thieves can easily drive around and steal them. If possible, have packages delivered to your workplace or to an address where someone is home during the day to accept them. With some delivery companies, you can request that packages be held at their distribution center for pickup. This is usually on a package-by-package basis, but is a worthwhile step to take for expensive items.
Keep Items in Your Car Hidden
Most holiday shoppers will store items in their car between stops at different stores or mid-way during a shopping spree at the mall. It is important to keep these items hidden my placing them in the trunk rather than the back seat. For high ticket items, it may be best not to leave them in your car at all.
Shop During Daylight Hours
Parking can be difficult during the holidays, and you may find yourself parking further from store entrances. As you leave the stores and head to your car, your bags may be an appealing target for a snatch and grab theft. If possible, shop during daylight hours. If you must shop at night, look for spaces in well lit areas and pay attention to your surroundings. Have your keys ready as you approach your car and quickly lock your doors once you are inside. Lastly, don’t sit in your car for extended periods of time.
Secure Your Mailbox
The number of gift cards sent via US mail is much higher during the holidays. These envelopes are often easy to spot due to their shape and bulkiness. Avoid leaving mail in your mailbox for extended periods of time. You may even consider putting a lock on your mailbox. Another option is to have the post office hold your mail for pickup at the local branch.
Don’t Advertise Your Belongings
After unwrapping Christmas gifts, you probably have quite a bit of recycling to place on the curb for pickup. What might be among the recycled boxes? A flat screen tv box? Boxes from a fancy video gaming system or laptop? This can give potential burglars some insight into what expensive items may now be in your home. You could essentially make your home a burglary target by carelessly disposing of merchandize packaging! It would be wise to break down boxes and bind them together with identifying marks facing inward. This attracts less attention from would-be burglars.
More Holiday Safety Tips
Knowing that crime rates are high during the holiday season, take extra precautions to protect the safety of your car and home. When it comes to your car, think about where you park and what is visible inside of your vehicle. For your home, don’t make it easy for thieves to steal your packages or your mail, and don’t make it obvious what expensive gifts you may have received for Christmas. Keep your doors locked and be aware of what is going on around you. The chances of being victimized increases when you become complacent, so being aware and cautious will go a long way in keeping your home, your car, and your personal belongs safe this holiday season.
