MT. ZION, Ill. (WAND) - The Mt. Zion Police Department is sharing holiday safety and theft prevention tips.
As we dive further into the Christmas season, the department says they've already responded to a few car smash and grabs.
"Everything that applies all year-long, applies more here as far as safety tips," explains Chief Adam Skundberg.
The department wants to remind people to try to limit the number of packages you carry around, be sure to keep items in your trunk when you go from store-to-store rather than leaving them on the front seat of the car.
"We've had some smash and grabs right in the middle of the day in parking lots," says Chief Skundberg.
Another tip the agency wants to remind people of is posting to social media. Chief Skundberg encourages people to refrain from posting future travel plans.
"We've actually seen people (criminals) looking at social media to see who might be a target of opportunity," explains Chief Skundberg.
The Mt. Zion Police Department has a vacation check-list, where they will have an office check your home periodically while you are gone.
"Letting your neighbors know you will be going out-of-town is another step to prevent burglaries from happening," explains Chief Skundberg.
Each year, the department says they get numerous reports of porch pirates. Chief Skundberg wants to encourage people to find an app that tracks packs shipping or find another location for packages to be delivered.
"More and more people are shopping online and there are more deliveries. We really encourage people to use certain apps for deliveries," explains Chief Skundberg.
Another way to prevent burglaries is watching what you throw away. The department encourages people to break down electronic boxes and turn them inside out.
"Those boxes alert people about what's inside your house. The things they (burglars) like to look for are video gaming systems, TV's and electronics," says Chief Skundberg.
A final remind is being aware of your surroundings. The department wants to remind people to park in well-lit areas and just be aware.
