The hallmarks of the Christmas season of peace and goodwill are not on everyone’s minds during the holidays, and there are those who may be looking to rob some families of their Christmas cheer.
That’s why the Shawano County Sheriff’s Department is offering a few tips to help ensure people spend their Christmas opening presents instead of reporting them stolen.
“Property crime is on the rise in Shawano County, and we believe that has a direct correlation with all the drug activity that we’re seeing,” Capt. Tom Tuma said.
While burglary and theft are year-round problems, the Christmas season often gives the bad guys some additional opportunities for crime.
“People know people are gone during the holidays,” Tuma said. “People leave great big boxes worth lots of money underneath Christmas trees, and everybody’s Christmas tree wants to be visible from a window or a road.”
Tuma advises not making your tree and your presents so visible, or at least making sure the drapes are closed when you’re not home.
“Don’t give people a free preview into your home,” he said. “And don’t leave large packages that you know are worth a lot of money sitting right out in the open.”
Tuma advised keeping a list of values and serial numbers of expensive property in a safe place so stolen items can be identified if they turn up at a pawn shop or in storage somewhere.
Tuma also suggested leaving your lights on when you’re away, or set to a timer to suggest activity, and having your neighbor keep an eye on the place.
You can also request an extra patrol from the Sheriff’s Department.
“We do house checks,” Tuma said.
Tuma said it’s also a good idea to have somebody plow your driveway if you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time.
“If somebody passes an unplowed driveway to a nice home, you are sending a huge signal that no one is here right now,” he said.
Tuma said it’s also a bad idea to post on social media like Facebook and Twitter that you’re leaving home for the holidays.
Christmas shopping can provide other opportunities for the bad guys.
“People know people are coming out of stores with large amounts of gifts,” Tuma said.
Tuma recommends parking underneath a light, even if it means walking a few extra yards, and not loading yourself down with packages.
“Always try to keep your dominant hand free with your car keys in it, so if something happens, you can get in your car,” he said. “Make multiple trips out of the store if necessary.”
Gifts should be put in the trunk, not left on your back seat, Tuma said, and personal information shouldn’t be left in the vehicle, either.
“Don’t leave anything that will tell criminals where you live because they know you’re away from home,” he said.
Tuma said shoppers also need to be careful with their credit cards to make sure numbers, expiration dates and security codes don’t end up in the wrong hands.
“It’s really important that in the months following Christmas, you keep an eye on that credit card bill,” Tuma said. “Make sure you’re not just paying it blindly because you know you spent a lot of money. Make sure there’s not extra charges on there for purchases at stores you didn’t make.”