Theft increases over holiday season
JACKSON, Tenn.—‘Tis the season of Goodwill towards men, but also the season for people to steal your joy right from uner the tree.
According to State Farm Tennessee is ranked ninth on the list of states for December theft claims in 2014, that’s an average of about 281 thefts per day in the state. Overall December is the busiest month for thefts, trailing only January.
“People know that there’s gonna be extra gifts and presents in the house so they are more likely to be targets; and then January the reason why it is such a popular month for thefts is because people leave their big ticket boxes out by the road,” State farm insurance Agent Wesley Harris said.
Lietenant Mike Johnson with Crimestoppers said homes are easy targets for thieves this time of year.
“They know there’s expensive Christmas gifts under the tree. My suggestion to people who have the really expensive gifts is to put them away hide them in a closet hide them as best as you can,” Lt. Johnson said.
Johnson also said cars at shopping centers are targets for thieves, and suggests
Keeping your keys handy when walking to your car.
Locking your purchases in the trunk.
Hide things under the seat or underneath a blanket to keep them out of sight.
Harris said that most thefts occur during the working hours in broad daylight.
“Keep lights on, don’t put on Facebook that you’re going out go town, don’t put things out by the road of things that you have received,” Harris said.
Harris and Johnson both say a DIY home alarm system that sends alerts and video directly to your phone is one of the best ways to protect your home while traveling this holiday season They say they can be purchased for less than $500.
State Farm also says to avoid leaving boxes out by the road of big ticket items like televisions and other expensive gifts you have received
