Holiday Crime Prevention Tips from the Abingdon Police Department

The Abingdon Police Department has put together a list of things you can do around the house to prevent a break-in during the holidays. By practicing the following safety tips, you can keep yourself and your home safe. 

• In the event that you are traveling for the holidays, consider find a trusted neighbor to protect your home in your absence. Have all mail and newspapers collected or have your service suspended. Provide a key to your home to the trusted neighbor so that they can make your house look occupied, either by turning on lights, turning on the radio, or moving a car in the driveway. Notify your local police department that you will be away for an extended time period and provide the information for the neighbor who will be watching your home.
• If leaving a dog at home for the holidays, consider having a trusted neighbor or friend pet sit at the house instead of using a kennel. Dogs of all sizes can be a deterrent to burglars.
• If ordering items to be delivered to the house, ask that they be delivered at time when you will be home and able to accept the package. Large packages left on doorsteps are susceptible to opportunistic burglars passing through the neighborhood.
• Many people love to display a brightly-lit Christmas tree with presents around the skirt. If visible through a window or doorway, this can be tempting for burglars scouting the neighborhood. Reconsider hiding the presents in a secure place and placing them under the tree at the last minute.
• Don't announce your new high-dollar purchases after the holidays. Break down the boxes of TVs, stereos, computers, etc. If possible, stagger the times that these boxes are placed in the trash.
• Don't advertise any trips away from your home or travel plans on online social networking sites. Broadcasting your absences let people know that your house is unoccupied and vulnerable.
• If your home is equipped with an alarm system, make sure that you and your family are using it. Alarm systems and alarm advertisements are a good crime prevention method.
• If leaving your home for several hours, find ways to make your house look occupied.  Placing interior and exterior lights on timers or leaving on a radio or T.V. may be a quick deterrent.
• Exterior holiday lights do more than make your house look beautiful: they also light up the areas around windows and doors where thieves may lurk.
• Retain the receipts for all major purchases in a safe place. If possible, record the serial number of the property on the corresponding receipt or in another list for safekeeping. In the event that these items do get stolen, this record will maintain proof of the purchase and aid police in tracking down the stolen item.
• Be cautious about solicitors, especially during this time of year. A stop at your doorway may provide them the opportunity to look inside of your house for valuable items and map the layout for a later return.
• Trim back any bushes or trees that block visibility through your house. Check all of the entryways into your home (windows and doors) to make sure that they are secured. Secure any sliding glass doors with a lock and a dowel in the door track.

Please contact the police immediately, by dialing 9-1-1, if you suspect a crime is about to occur or if you suspect illegal activity is taking place. 

We wish everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!