Crime Stoppers offers tips and tricks to limit thefts in Vancouver over the holidays
Posted December 5, 2023 4:59 pm.
Theft prevention is a focus for Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers as the organization offers safety tips for the holiday season.
Executive Director Linda Annis recommends anyone heading out of town to travel avoid posting pictures on social media, as that could indicate no one is home.
“It’s very easy for criminals to track you down, track your home down, and come and rob you while you’re away,” she said.
Annis also suggests ensuring parcels don’t stack up at your front door while you’re away in order to keep “porch pirates” away.
“They oftentimes follow delivery trucks and steal your goods,” she explained. “So please, please make sure if you aren’t going to be home when your goods arrive, to make alternate arrangements to get [them] picked up.”
It isn’t just packages and mail Annis recommends keeping off the porch, as she says empty boxes that used to contain nice presents can attract unwanted visitors as well.
“If you are getting nice presents — that big TV set or whatever — make sure that you don’t leave the empty boxes out because, if you do, someone knows that you’ve just got something that’s really good and they might like to get it,” she said.
Some other tips from Annis include shopping from reputable sites online, having working security cameras, getting insurance for your valuables, putting presents in your trunk rather than your front seat, and not leaving garage door openers in your car.
