Christmas Trash or Treasure

Your Christmas trash could be holiday treasure for thieves. I know you all want to be tidied up and organized for the New Year; however, be cautious as you place boxes and other holiday debris curbside for trash and recycle collection.

This time of year, criminals drive through neighborhoods looking for signs of new computers and printers, big screen televisions, and other electronic toys in the trash you absent-mindedly place at the curb. By putting large boxes out by the curb, you’re inviting criminals to burglarize your home because you’re announcing to them “Hey! Look, I just got this new big (name your electronic).”

Common Sense Tips

1. Before putting boxes in the trash or recycle, break them down and cut into smaller pieces. If you don’t have time to break the box down now and cut into smaller pieces, wait a week or two when you do have more time. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

2. If holding off a week or two isn’t an option, wait until as close to collection time as possible to put your trash and recycles out. Don’t give thieves an opportunity to rifle through your trash.

3. Remove your name and address from cartons before putting into recycle or trash.

Keep in mind that old adage “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Have a safe and organized New Year!