By JARED MILLER
Wakulla Sheriff
As the holidays approach I would like to take the time to discuss with Wakulla County’s citizens steps you can take to help safeguard yourself from potential thieves during this season. Nationally this time of year typically sees a spike in thefts and burglaries, and Wakulla County is no different.
It’s important to know that most thefts and burglaries committed in Wakulla County are crimes of opportunity, and there are some basic steps you can take to help protect yourself from being a victim.
Often would-be car burglars engage in what is known as “car hopping,” where they enter an area and move from car to car pulling on door handles. When they find an unlocked door, the criminal enters into the car and searches for items to steal. The first two tips to help protect yourself from thieves is to lock your car doors and do not leave valuables (especially personal information or firearms) inside of your vehicle unattended.
Next if you plan on being out of town for the holidays, please remember to take some simple steps such as placing a hold on your mail (so it does not pile up in your mailbox), and not advertising the specific times you will be gone on social media. Most residential thefts and burglaries occur purposely when the homeowners are not around, and limiting signs you are not home will help keep your home and property more secure. If you can afford to purchase security cameras, an alarm system, or motion sensor lights, I strongly encourage you to do so as it creates a great deterrent for anyone who would look to steal from you. Also with online shopping becoming increasingly common, its also important to have a plan for any packages that may be delivered to your home. If you cannot afford to buy a secure drop box for packages, make arrangements to be home (or have a trusted person present) when packages are to be delivered. H
Lastly for those in the community who celebrate Christmas or other gift giving celebrations, there are measures you can take to help keep your home safer. If you have window blinds or curtains, ensure they are closed when you are not around so thieves cannot look inside and see any valuables you may have. Do not put out boxes or packaging to new items until the day of trash pickup, so you don’t advertise to everyone items now within your home. Lastly just like your car, always remember to lock your home at night and when you are not home.
It’s true that you could take every possible precaution and still have someone break into your car or steal from you. However, the harder you make it for a criminal to commit a crime the more likely they will be to avoid your home and property.
Do the best you can to make yourself a hard target to would be criminals and you’ll be able to largely prevent yourself from becoming a victim.
If you lock your house and car doors, don’t leave valuables in plain sight or in your vehicle, and don’t advertise when you will be out of town, you will drastically reduce your chances of being targeted.
If you suspect you have been the victim of a burglary, theft or any crime never hesitate to contact the Wakulla County Sheriff’s Office at 850-745-7100 (911 for emergencies). We operate 24/7 365 days a year and are always ready to respond and help. The sooner you can report any suspected crime to us the better the odds we will be able to solve it.
Your Sheriff, Jared F. Miller
