How To Avoid Becoming The Target Of A Holiday Crime: Hoover PD

HOOVER, AL — With Christmas only days away, Hoover’s residents are sure to be buying, wrapping and arranging gifts. But police warn discarding boxes at the curb lets thieves know there are valuable items inside.

Police said the best way to avoid holiday thievery is to conceal boxes by breaking them down and discarding them in a trash bin, not on display at the curb. Similarly, wrapped gift boxes should not be left in plain sight from the street.

Police also remind residents to bring deliveries inside as soon as possible to avoid attracting porch pirates.

Residents can also avoid becoming the victim of a holiday crime of opportunity by avoiding announcing holiday trips on social media, keeping vehicles locked at all times, keeping track of make, model and serial number information for valuable property and installing outdoor lighting and security cameras.

Police remind residents that suspicious activity can be reported by calling 911 or 205-822-5300.