Charles County Sheriff Rex W. Coffey said safety and crime prevention top his list this holiday season. While officers patrol neighborhoods, shopping centers and business districts, Sheriff Coffey is urging residents to keep in mind the everyday tips such as locking doors and windows but also consider these crime prevention tips as well:
• Before you throw your trash out, pay attention to what you’re leaving curbside. Did you know thieves drive around neighborhoods looking at what you throw away? If you purchased a new TV, game system, computer or anything else of value and you toss the box out with your trash, you’re making your house a target. Don’t advertise outside what you have inside. Simply break the box down, cut it up, break it into to smaller pieces and put it inside a garbage bag to conceal the contents. Don’t let your trash lead a thief to your treasures.
• If you’re traveling out of town, ask a neighbor to watch your house. Do the same for them. Know who lives in your neighborhood and pay attention to anyone who doesn’t. They may not have any criminal intent, but keep an eye on what they do.
• Today’s criminal is not always so sneaky. Sometimes thieves approach a house as if they belong there. For instance, they park their car in the driveway, walk up and force open the front door. It doesn’t seem like they would be that bold, but they are. Watch for it and call immediately.
• If you see something suspicious, say something and call police right away. The Charles County Sheriff’s Office will respond to check it out. “We would rather come to your call for suspicious activity than return for a reported crime,” said Sheriff Coffey.
For other safety tips, visit the Charles County Sheriff’s Office web site at www.ccso.us.
