‘Tis the Season For Merry & Bright And Locking Up Tight!

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care and even Clark Griswold is put to shame with your lighting display.

Thieves love to window shop and your car offers plenty of great viewing!  Protect your vehicle and all those gifts you worked so hard shopping for with the following tips:

• It takes seconds to steal a car when it is left running. Turn off your vehicle, lock your doors, roll up and windows and take your keys with you – no matter how quickly you’ll be returning.
• Set your vehicle alarm whenever you’re away from it. Hint: just because you hear a beep when you press your key fob does not mean an alarm will automatically sound if your vehicle is breached. Make sure you understand the security system features for your make and model.
• Leaving valuables visible in your car is an open invitation to a holiday Grinch eager to steal from you. Take along your belongings or place them in the trunk before arriving at your next destination. Theft is a crime of opportunity and thieves are always watching for their chance.
• Record serial numbers to make recovery of your property easier in the event that you do become a victim.
• If you notice suspicious activity in a parking lot, a shopping center or in your neighborhood, report it immediately to 9-1-1.

The stockings are hung by the chimney with care and even Clark Griswold is put to shame with your lighting display. Criminals take notice of all your home holiday spirit too!

• Lock doors and windows whenever you leave the house.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or family member to watch your home and pick up your newspapers and mail if you’re going to be away for an extended period.
• Place indoor and outdoor lights on an automatic timer and leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Hide holiday gifts from view – make a family game of it by looking through the windows and doors of your home. If you can see the presents, so can would-be thieves.
• Leave a note asking package carriers (UPS, Fed Ex, USPS, etc.) not to leave packages on your porch. Request that they leave a notice so you can pick up packages from their facility or require a signature when packages are delivered. Most delivery services have alternative delivery options. FedEx can be delivered to a local FedEx location where they’ll hold your package for in-person pickup. UPS has options to deliver to a UPS Store, to a UPS Access Point, or to hold your package at the UPS Customer Center. Amazon.com has Amazon Locker locations throughout the city. Using these alternatives ensures that the package will not be left unattended on your doorstep.
• If you know that you won’t be home when a package is due to arrive, and your workplace allows, consider having your purchases delivered to your place of employment.
• Sign up for delivery alerts through a delivery service’s website.  If you have a trusted neighbor, ask them to retrieve it and hold onto it until you get home.  Most services also allow you to change the delivery date to a time when you know you’ll be at home.
• If you must have something delivered when you are not home, leave instructions for the delivery service to place the package out of view from the street.
• If you believe that someone has stolen a package, confirm that it was delivered and then make a report with the Austin Police Department.
• Avoid leaving boxes on the curb after gifts have been opened. They are a clear signal to thieves what you have available to steal inside your home.