DON’T LET THE GRINCH STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS

DON’T LET THE GRINCH STEAL YOUR CHRISTMAS

The holidays are a busy time for being with family and friends but the thieves are also very busy this time of year. There is always an increase of crime in the weeks leading up to and just after Christmas. There is a number of things that you can do to protect yourself, your family and your home from becoming a thieves next victim.

1. Make sure you have quality locks on your home. A $10 deadbolt will offer you $10 worth of security. When selecting new locks for your house, speak with a professional. The guy working at the hardware store is not a professional and does not have the same knowledge or experience as a locksmith. No matter what type of lock is on your door, make sure you use it. If your home is harder to get into, chances are they will go on to another house that is easier.
2. Be charitable but be careful. A person that is representing a legitimate charity will not be offended if you ask for ID and they will not be pushy.
3. We all love to show off our Christmas trees but open blinds can be a lure for thieves that are waiting for the right opportunity to help themselves to the presents under your tree. Close your blinds so that your new big screen TV or fancy stereo aren’t on display for everyone walking by your house.
4. When you go out to celebrate with family and friends, leave some lights on, but not the lights on your tree. Christmas tree fires are more common than most people think. Losing everything before Christmas does not make for a Merry Christmas.
5. After Santa has come and your family is enjoying all the gifts, don’t leave the boxes out on the porch or out with your weekly recycling. It is never a good idea to advertise to the world what Santa brought. Take a bit of time and take the empty boxes down to the local recycling depot. The burglars are always on the look out.
6. When you are out shopping, always make sure that you don’t leave any valuables in your car. Burglars will hang out in parking lots and watch for people that exit a store, put bags in their car and head back in for more shopping.
7. Be careful when you are shopping and trying to carry all your bags that you keep a close eye on your purse or wallet. It is hard to not get distracted while your arms are full, your trying to keep the kids close and you’re trying to make your way through a crowded mall but the thieves and pickpockets are watching for people just like that.
8. Avoid carrying too much cash while shopping or at a holiday party. While it is a hassle to cancel and replace a lost or stolen credit/debit card, it is impossible to replace lost or stolen cash.

All of us at Bell Locksmith would like to wish you a crime-free Christmas and a wonderful New Year. We hope that your holidays are filled with love, friends and family.