Keep burglars away during the holidays

The holidays are here and so are holiday bandits. Police are warning people to be extra vigilant when leaving their home unattended the next few weeks. Cmdr. Jim Henson of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department said an increase in theft is typical for this time of year, b ut there are some tips to help prevent it. “Close your drapes, don’t let them see that there’s presents by the tree or that nobody’s home. Also have something that will shut your lights off and turn them on at different times. If you have a neighbor you trust, have them come by and check your property,” Henson said. You can even ask your local police department to keep an eye on your house while your away. “It gives us a chance to go by a property, at least once a day, that we wouldn’t normally go by,” said Henson. “During the holidays, unfortunately, specifically Christmas time, we get an increase volume of residential burglaries, ” said Cpl. Cory Carranza, during a ride-along. Police advise people to install home security cameras, like a video doorbell system, which allows a homeowner to see and communicate with the person at their door.

Police also remind people to be cautious while shopping. If you load a large or valuable item in your car, make sure no one is following you home. If you find yourself in a situation where you believe you are being followed, police say drive to your nearest police station.

Officials also advise people to collapse boxes and dispose of them in a closed container so that people do not know what items are in your home.