Keeping Those Holiday Burglars at Bay

The Eastsider LA tells us today of a burglary that happened on Edgecliff Drive, probably early on Wednesday. A women forgot to lock her front door and the burglar strolled right in and took her MacBook and phone. Another commenting on the Eastsider site said the same thing had happened to her the day before on Edgewater Terrace.

Local officers confirm what we're noticing:  the two peak time periods for crime in our neighborhoods are the summertime and the Christmas holidays.

For one thing, Christmas and Hanukkah make our houses full of gifts more alluring.  And we’re so distracted we become easy targets like the woman on Edgecliff.

The holidays also the time of year when people may be pushed to crime to pay bills or, sadly, to buy presents. 

The Los Angeles Police Department has these tips about how to keep the burglars at bay:

At Home

• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
• When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
• Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
• Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
• Large displays of holiday gifts should not be visible through the windows and doors of your home.

Strangers at Your Door

• Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts.
• It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people during the holiday season by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes, although no charity is involved.
• Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
• Donate to a recognized charitable organization.