Don't advertise your Christmas presents on bin day

30 December 2008

The RAC is reminding people not to leave the cardboard boxes their Christmas presents came in on the verge this week because it advertises what is worth stealing.

RAC Insurance data shows there is a spike in insurance claims in late December and early January as burglars target homes using intelligence they have gathered in the post-Christmas period.

RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown said leaving boxes out on the verge is just making life easier for burglars.

“Many Christmas gifts such as new gaming consoles, computers, bicycles and flat screen televisions come in large boxes that may not fit in the bin,” Mr Brown said.

“These items all rate highly on a burglar’s top ten wish list and there is a ready market for such stolen goods.

“By leaving these boxes on the verge, burglars can see what Santa brought and what is worth stealing inside the house.

Mr Brown said with many people going on holiday in late December or January this created an additional opportunity for would-be thieves.

“If a burglar sees a discarded box on a verge and then notices that the property is empty it makes life easy for the burglar,” Mr Brown said.

“Burglars often live locally to their victims so it would be easy for them to gather information on what presents people received and the times those people are at home.

Mr Brown said boxes should be broken down or cut into pieces and put into the recycling bin. Anything that won’t fit should be kept out of sight and put in the bin for the following refuse collection.

“Burglars are opportunistic and usually don’t need a second invitation to break-in,” he said.

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