A quiet drive through a neighbourhood can reveal more than festive cheer, with Ontario Provincial Police warning the clues left at the curb after Christmas can sometimes invite unwanted attention.
The West Region Headquarters of the OPP is urging residents to be cautious during the holiday season, noting that discarded packaging from gifts can unintentionally advertise what was found under the tree. Empty boxes from high-value items left in plain view can quickly signal to thieves which homes may be worth targeting, making post-holiday waste an easy source of information for criminals looking for an opportunity.
Police recommend taking extra care when disposing of holiday-related garbage and recycling. When possible, large boxes from expensive purchases should be taken directly to a recycling depot rather than left at the curb. Receipts and financial paperwork should be shredded before disposal. If boxes must be set out for collection, they should be broken down, cut into smaller pieces, and turned inside out to make their contents less visible. Residents planning to be away are also encouraged to arrange for a trusted person to collect their garbage and recycling bins.
Additional precautions can help reduce the risk of property crime in the days following the holidays. Mail should be picked up promptly, and anyone leaving town should consider holding mail delivery or asking someone reliable to retrieve it. Police also advise against sharing photos of new gifts on social media, as online posts can tip off potential thieves. Keeping a home looking lived in while away and ensuring doors, windows, and vehicles are locked at all times are simple but effective steps to protect property.
The OPP notes that thieves often seek out the easiest targets with the quickest payoff, and small preventative measures can go a long way toward avoiding becoming a victim. More information about crime prevention initiatives, including the Lock It or Lose It and Safeguard programs, is available through the Ontario Provincial Police website.
