Provincial police are urging the public to be mindful when putting holiday litter to the curb to ensure they don’t become the target of thieves.
The Ontario Provincial Police said leaving gift boxes on the curb in plain view for garbage pickup allows thieves to simply drive by and gauge which house would make a great target based on the “advertisement” left out for them.
Residents are reminded to take the following precautions to help protect themselves from prospective criminals:
- It is best to take boxes from large ticket items directly to a recycling depot when possible.
- Shred all receipts and financial documents meant for the garbage.
- If you need to place boxes at the curbside, break down and cut down boxes to a smaller size and turn them inside out.
- Arrange to have a trusted person gather your garbage cans if you will be away.
For more information on how to prevent property crime, visit www.opp.ca and click on the “Resources” tab.