Law enforcement officials in Southern California are warning people to be cautious when disposing of their holiday trash, as thieves may target homes showing empty boxes of expensive new gifts in their garbage.
“Now that the holidays are over, and the gifts have been opened, be mindful how you could be advertising to thieves what’s new in your home,” the sheriff’s station posted along with a photo of an empty flat-screen TV box propped against a garbage can outside a family’s home.
It advised the community to hide boxes showing expensive items if possible.
“Before leaving that box for the brand-new TV exposed, be sure to break down all boxes and place them inside the trash can if possible, if not inside a large trash bag,” the post said. “Leaving boxes for expensive items out could catch the eye of a thief.”
The sheriff’s station also advised people to follow what it calls the “9 p.m. routine” and “make sure all doors to your car, home and garage are locked before going to bed.”
The warnings come among reports of other holiday gift-related burglaries in California this season.
A burglar was caught attempting to steal presents from under an Orange County family’s Christmas tree Dec. 18.
A couple, who did not want to be identified, told KTLA News that they were at work when an intruder broke into their Huntington Beach home through a sliding back door.
The home’s security cameras caught images of the intruder: a man wearing a red hoodie and gray sweatpants, looking through the family’s presents under their tree, and placing the gifts in a laundry basket.
Several gifts were taken from their home, the couple said, including presents for their children, two iPads, a camera, and jewelry.
