By RYAN SKAITH
With Christmas right around the corner, a lot of people are shopping online and having packages delivered to their homes. Unfortuantley, that also means thieves are out looking for an easy score. There are several easy tips residents can take in order to keep their packages and belongings safe.
Buchannan County Sheriff Bill Puett says, “Don’t let packages sit on your porch for hours and hours.” He recommends coordinating with trusted neighbors to pick those packages up if you are going to be away from home during the day.
Puett adds, “Check with your employer to see if its okay to have packages shipped to your place of employment. That way you can take them home and they aren’t sitting on your porch.”
Puett also says doorbell cameras are an excellent way to identify theives in case your packages are stolen.
Puett recommends if you are shopping at a store to keep your valuables hidden inside your vehicle or take them with you. “Thieves prowl for unlocked cars in parking lots. Cover your items up and keep them in the trunk of the vehicle.”
One other tip Puett says is helpful in deterring thieves, is to tear and break down boxes after they are open. “Don’t set a bunch of empty boxes on the curb. People driving by can identify boxes and know what items are present and new in your house. We just want everyone to stay safe and enjoy the holidays.”
