Skip to main content
Fog icon
68º

Christmas trash attracting thieves? How to protect your home from criminals

Simple steps to protect your home from post-holiday crime

Don't let your holiday trash advertise to thieves! (Facebook/ Mark Herman, Harris County Constable Precinct 4) (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and giving. However, it can also attract unwanted attention from thieves looking for easy targets. One way criminals identify potential homes to target is by checking the trash for evidence of recent, high-value purchases.

As Constable Mark Herman points out, “Criminals see those boxes after Christmas that had big-screen TVs, computers, iPads, or PlayStations, and they make a mental note to possibly come back to that house at a later time.”

Recommended Videos



OTHER NEWS: 15-year-old shot, killed outside Christmas party in SW Houston

Don’t let your holiday cheer turn into an opportunity for the “naughty guys.” Here are some simple tips to keep your home safe:

We hope you had a great Christmas! Please remember not to put your new tv, etc. boxes by the trash, advertising what you...

Posted by Constable Rowdy Hayden - Campaign Page on Thursday, December 26, 2024

1. Take Your Cardboard to a Recycling Station

Dispose of your Christmas packaging directly at a recycling or dump station rather than leaving it curbside. Ensure your address is removed from all packaging to protect your identity and your home.

Are you recycling properly? Here are some things you possibly didn’t know

2. Break Boxes Down Thoroughly

When discarding boxes, break them into smaller pieces to make it difficult to identify what they originally contained. This also saves space in your recycling bin or trash can.

3. Conceal Packaging in Your Trash or Recycling Bin

Place broken-down boxes at the bottom of your trash or recycling bin. By covering them with other garbage or recyclables, you make it harder for thieves to spot what’s inside.

Taking these extra steps ensures you’re not advertising your holiday haul to criminals. Remember, a little caution now can save you from potential headaches later.

Let’s start the new year off safe and secure!


About the Author
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

Loading...