Christmas may be over. But you could still be a victim of holiday hooligans, Metro Atlanta police agencies warn.
Officers provided several tips to remember to stay safe and avoid being a crime victim.
1. Hide the trash. Though the gifts are opened and boxes are ready for the trash, be careful how you dispose of them.
“Don’t make it easy for others to know what you got for Christmas,” Atlanta police posted on social media.
Instead, break down the boxes and consider hiding them in trash bags.
2. Jot down serial numbers. If new electronics were among your family's gifts, take the time to document what you have, Brookhaven police Sgt. Jacob Kissel suggests. Write down serial numbers, he said.
“This helps law enforcement track stolen items after a theft,” Kissel said.
Keep the serial numbers in a safe place you’ll remember.
3. Hide valuables. Receive a gift that needs to be returned? Be mindful when you have valuable items in your car, Gwinnett County police Cpl. Michele Pihera said.
“If you must bring them, take them inside the store with you,” Pihera suggested. “If you cannot take them with you, hide them completely out of sight.”
4. Stay aware. If you must head to shopping malls, stay aware of your surroundings, Cobb County police suggest. Point out anything suspicious to store employees. Park in a well-lit area when possible. When returning to your car, have your keys in hand.
5. Stay safe on the roads. Christmas may be over, but the travel season is still in full swing. Plan ahead of time for there to be extra cars on the road, the Georgia State Patrol suggests. Have an emergency car repair kit on hand that includes a first aid kit and jumper cables. Always wear seat belts and don't drive tired or impaired, the GSP says.
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