Coeur d'Alene Police Department offers holiday theft prevention tips
Coeur d'Alene Press | UPDATED 10 years, 5 months AGO
The Coeur d'Alene Police Department sees an increase in theft and burglary reports during the holiday season and has a number of tips to prevent residents from falling victim to a Grinch hoping to steal their Christmas.
"This time of year brings out the best in many people with their generosity, as well as the worst in some with their character," Coeur d'Alene Police Sgt. Christie Wood wrote in a press release. "Christmas presents beautifully wrapped and placed under a well-lit tree, or left in cars, garages, and storage sheds are desirable to thieves."
Holiday crime prevention begins while shopping for gifts. Wood encouraged shoppers to not overload themselves, or their vehicles, with packages - drive home between destinations to unload gifts if possible.
"If you must shop in the evening, shop with a friend," Wood said. "Park in well-lighted areas, as close as possible to store entrances. Be particularly aware of persons in the parking lot, especially near your car."
Once shoppers get their holiday gifts home, Wood said residents can open themselves to crime by placing large displays of gifts in view of their windows or doors.
"Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even if you will only be gone for a minute," Wood said. "Burglars can enter your home in any number of ways. Most of them simply enter through the front door, but first-floor windows, back doors, storage areas, and second-floor windows are also likely points of entry."
When holiday festivities are concluded, it is advised that residents not advertise the gifts they received by placing empty boxes in the open near their trash cans.
"Break the boxes down and put them out the morning of trash pickup," Wood said.
If you are a victim of a crime, immediately report the incident by contacting the Coeur d'Alene Police Department at (208)769-2320.
"Be careful to preserve any evidence left at the scene of the crime and do not enter your home without police escort if you believe someone has burglarized your home while you were away," Wood said.