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District Attorney Jack Browning and Haralson County Sheriff Eddie Mixon Team Up to Issue Tips to Prevent Post Holiday Burglaries
Buchanan- With the holidays just behind us, Haralson County Sheriff Eddie Mixon says, “It can be a busy time for burglars who know that just after Christmas they can target new holiday gifts. Thieves like expense and small high tech items such like iPads and computers- so now is a good time to take some practical steps to prevent break ins.” Haralson County’s newly elected District Attorney Jack Browning says that he sees a surprising number of cases where criminals target homes where they can commit their crimes with little effort. Browning adds, “Given the fact that over 20% of burglars walk right in through unlocked doors or windows, some very simple steps can go along way in preventing home burglaries.”
Here is some practical advice to keep your home safe!
· Don’t store the boxes from your new Christmas presents in your garage or outside of your house. You don’t want to advertise the new gift you are enjoying by putting the box outside for all to see! Break down boxes and dispose of them or keep them in a basement or attic.
· Facebook and other social media are fun ways to communicate but many people actually advertise to would be thieves that they are away from home. Be careful of what photos and information you post especially if you are traveling.
· Keep any outdoor valuables, such as bicycles, lawn mowers, or grills, out of sight in a locked garage or shed. Likewise, keep any tools or ladders stored where burglars can’t see – and use – them.
· Avoid hiding keys outside under a mat or in a flowerpot. These “secret” places are the first places a burglar will look. It’s better to leave a spare key with a trusted neighbor.
· Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your house when you are away.
· If you will be away from home for an extended amount of time, turn the ringer down on your phone so that a potential burglar isn’t alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
· Invest in automatic timers to turn lights on and off.
· Don’t say that you are away or give personal information on your answering machine. Simply say, “We are unable to come to the phone right now.”
· Don’t put valuables where they can be seen through your window – especially items that can be easily carried away.
· Create visual record of the contents of your home. Keep the recording and a list of all valuables in a safe place away from your home, such as a safe deposit box.
· If you have received expensive items such as jewelry, large electronics, etc. contact your homeowners’ insurance agent to make sure these new items are covered by your policy.