Christmas is over but you're not in the clear yet when it comes to holiday crime. Officials are warning the public about different types of theft that could come in the days following Christmas.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office says there's a lot of information that people are putting out there right after the holidays, and they may not realize it. “There are unfortunately bad folk out there who want to take opportunities to make it a day-after of taking. And the one thing you don't want to do is provide them with any information that might up that opportunity,” said Bob Harmon from the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.
One of the biggest threats actually comes from with the garbage that you're putting out. If garbage is left out in the open, boxes and packages left over from the holidays can give thieves a hint about what's now in your home. “Probably the best thing to do is to hold onto the boxes. You can store them in your basement or someplace where you can keep them until trash day,” said Harmon.
Taking boxes out to the trash truck at the last minute, or putting boxes in dark trash bags can help limit what a thief can see in your trash can. The sheriff's office says that posting to online sites can also give a crook an inside look at your Christmas loot. “It's great you want to show them off to your friends. Perhaps you can text them if it’s really that important, instead of putting it out on Facebook or other social media where you don't know who may be getting that information,” said Harmon.
Post-holiday shopping and returns can also make you vulnerable to theft. “Keep everything close at hand and in a firm grip. It’s very easy to get distracted, to put something down, or maybe leave a credit card on a counter. And then by the time you turn around and look back its gone,” said Harmon.
The sheriff's office says the one of the best things a person can do right now to protect themselves is to take opportunity away from criminals.
