KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The Knoxville Police Department gave tips on how homeowners could stay safe over the holidays, preventing break-ins and other kinds of crime. None of the tips from the department include setting Home Alone-style traps.
Instead, they focused on preventing houses from appearing like easy targets for possible thieves. For example, KPD said homeowners should trim trees and shrubbery away from windows and doors, to avoid giving thieves a possible hiding place. They also recommended hiding gifts someplace they aren't visible from the winds, even if it means moving them out from under the Christmas tree.
More safety tips from KPD are available below.
- Make sure all doors and windows have secondary locks (window pins, deadbolts, dowels, etc.) and use them.
- Don’t hide spare keys in mailboxes and planters, or under doormats.
- Ensure that dark areas and entrances have outdoor lights that are turned on after dark or that are activated by sensors.
- Install a home camera system, such as Ring or other exterior surveillance camera systems.
- Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed so they do not conceal doors and windows. Overgrown foliage can provide a hiding place for criminals.
- Place gifts where they cannot be seen from the outside. Minimize the threat of enticing would-be burglars. (also applies for tips more specific to when leaving for the holiday)
- Lock your vehicle and remove any and all valuables, especially firearms. Residences are one of the most common areas in which vehicle burglaries occur.
If people plan on traveling away from home over the holidays, KPD said they should ask a trusted friend, neighbor or Neighborhood Watch member to keep an eye on their home. KPD also recommended people use timers for holiday lights and decorations or turn them off altogether to avoid a possible fire risk.
People should make arrangements for mail and packages to either be held at the post office or to be quickly retrieved by a trusted friend. KPD also recommended people avoid posting about travel plans online, so possible thieves won't be able to use social media to tell if someone is home.
