An empty box for a big-screen TV—or any other high-ticket item—in your garbage can is an invitation to burglars to visit your house. Law enforcement officers say that leaving these boxes out in the open could tip off would-be crooks about what they may find in your house should they decide to break in. In addition, residents are urged not to share photos of their new Christmas items on social media, or to advertise that they won’t be home during the holidays. Both may also give ideas to potential burglars. Ernest Figueroa offers these tips on how to protect your home…
Don’t give thieves any information about what they could find inside your home. Law enforcement officers suggest residents break down the boxes, tear them up, and conceal them in a garbage can. Don’t leave them on the side of the road. Sometimes the empty boxes may have a lot of personal information for burglars—receipts, addresses, or phone numbers, so check for that before disposing of them. Another way you can protect your home and get rid of those boxes is by taking them to your local recycling center. It’s also important to lock your car or home before you leave and keep valuables out of sight.
