With the Christmas season in full swing, the Bartlesville Police Department wants everyone to have a safe holiday.
Bartlesville Police Chief Kevin Ickleberry offers the following holiday safety tips:
Don’t place boxes for large and expensive purchases at the curb where would-be thieves can easily identify them. First, break them down and place them in a covered container for trash pickup (or, better yet, take recyclable materials to the city recycle center). Also, make sure large displays of gifts and new purchases are not easily visible through the windows and doors of your home.
Record all serial numbers, makes and models of large ticket items and store those in case you do have a burglary.
If you are going to be away from home or traveling over the holidays, ask a friend, family member or trusted neighbor to watch your home and pick up any mail or packages. If possible, set indoor and outdoor lights on automatic timers.
“If you are going to be aware from your residence, don’t post on social media that you are away from home,” Ickleberry said. “This makes it easy to become a target.”
Make sure your audio/ video recording devices are working properly and alarms are set.
Trim back overgrown shrubs and trees around your home. Overgrown greenery can partially block windows and portions of your home, thus providing potential hiding spots for burglars slipping into your yard.
Always lock your doors, windows and vehicles when not in use. Remove the key fobs and valuables from vehicles as well.
Keep firearms and other weapons secured.
Be aware of suspicious vehicles or people in your neighborhood and don’t be afraid to call the police to have them checked.