‘Don’t leave empty boxes in view’ (From This Is Lancashire)

‘Don’t leave empty boxes in view’

8:02am Friday 28th December 2012 in News

POLICE are urging people not to leave empty boxes outside their homes this festive season, as doing so advertises to burglars what new gifts are inside.

Instead, people are advised to keep all packaging stored in a safe place until the next bin collection.

Householders can also register online valuable gifts such as tablet computers and smartphones so that there is a better chance of them being returned if lost or stolen.

By registering them for free at immobilise.com, owners can put details of their possessions on a database which can be compared against items that have been found or recovered from suspected criminals.

Wendy O’Neil, crime reduction specialist for Greater Manchester Police, said: “Around one in three adults in the UK now owns a smartphone or tablet, costing hundreds of pounds.

“As well as being valuable they are also portable and easy to conceal and sell on, making them ideal targets for thieves.

“Owners should keep them hidden in a secure pocket or bag when they are out and about, and remain vigilant when using them in public places.

“They can also use the security locking codes on these devices and download GPS-based apps that help owners to find them if lost or stolen.”