- At home
- Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them!
- Don’t hide spare keys in mailboxes or planters, or under doormats.
- Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or are activated by sensors.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Remember, overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
- Place gifts where they can’t be seen from the outside.
- Be sure to mail cards, checks or gift certificates from the Post Office or at a blue U.S. Postal Service collection box.
- Lock your vehicle and remove all the valuables. Yes, even in your driveway.
- Strangers at your door
- Use caution anytime there is a stranger at your door.
- Be suspicious of unexpected sales calls or deliveries. Ask for identification.
- Be aware of scams that criminals commit to take advantage of people’s generosity during the holidays.
- Investigate charities before making donations. Ask how the funds will be used.
- Leaving for the holidays
- Ask a trusted friend or neighbor to watch your home.
- Use timers for lights while you’re away.
- Remember to make arrangements for mail and newspapers.
- After the holidays
- Don’t advertise expensive toys, electronics or other gifts received by the boxes left for garbage collections. Compress large boxes and place them in black garbage bags for pick-up.
- Add new items to your home inventory. Take photos or video of all items of value in your home and list each item’s make, model, serial number and other information.
- Engrave new items to help identify them in the event they are stolen.
Avoid porch theft: Five tips to protect your packages
*Network with neighbors.
*Have packages delivered to work.
*Leave specific drop-off instructions.
*Use a Smart Lock.
*Install security cameras.
*Get a P.O. box at your local Post Office.
*Use lockers
*Set Up Notifications to Track Your Packages
*Install a security camera.
*Get your packages delivered to your office.
*Require a signature on delivery.
*Reschedule delivery or ask for a package hold when on vacation.
*Try Smart Locks.
*Get a package guard.
*Insure your packages.
*Ask your neighbors to grab your packages.
Six ways to Grinch-proof your holiday light displays
*Shut down at night.
*Set up surveillance.
*Crime-proof your yard.
*Consider bringing in valuable items at night.
*Stay connected.
*Report, report, report.
What to do if you’ve become a victim of a porch pirate
*Check with your delivery company to make sure your package was actually delivered.
*Know exactly what’s in the missing box.
*If you see the thief, pay attention to what his or her vehicle looks like and its license plate number. Second to that, get the thief’s physical description – gender, approximate height and weight and what they’re wearing – so you can tell an officer.
*Call 911 and ask for an officer to come to your home.
*If you have a security camera on your home, get a copy of the video to police. Ask your neighbors if their cameras captured the thief in action.