Make sure thieves don't ruin your Christmas
22 December 2008
Western Australians are being warned to think twice before putting expensive presents under the Christmas tree in the coming days.
RAC Insurance says that households are more at risk of burglary over the Christmas period and expensive presents left under Christmas trees make easy pickings for opportunistic thieves.
RAC Head of Member Advocacy Matt Brown says the traditional placement of Christmas trees near front windows can also act as an advertisement for would-be burglars.
“Thieves are targeting high-value electronic items such as games consoles and i-pods as well as jewellery, cash, mobile phones and laptop computers,” Mr Brown said.
“These are easy to carry and easy to sell. It also makes it easier for the thief to get in and out of home in the shortest possible time.
“Leaving presents like these under the Christmas tree over the next few days is like leaving a welcome mat for burglars.
“We strongly recommend that home owners only place lower value presents under the tree until at least Christmas Eve.
“And make sure you keep your windows and doors locked at all times even in the hot weather – an open door or window is like an open invitation to an opportunistic thief.”
Mr Brown said households also needed to think about security of their homes while they were on holidays.
“All too often people will spend most of their time planning their travel to a holiday destination and thinking about what they’ll do when they get there.
“Experience says the first thing you should think about when you’re planning your holiday break is how secure your home is going to be while you’re away.
“It’s simple things like ensuring you have suitable locks, cancelling newspaper deliveries and having a family member or friend collect your mail.
“Don’t advertise the presents you received at Christmas by discarding the open boxes in full view of passers-by.
“We are entering the danger period for home break-ins and home owners need to make sure they are taking every precaution.”
According to RAC Insurance data, the typical Christmas thief’s shopping list is likely to include;
1. Laptops
2. Cameras (digital/video)
3. Game consoles (Playstations/Xboxes)
4. Mobile Phones
5. Jewellery
6. CDs/DVDs/games
7. Ipods
8. GPS
9. Bikes
10. Tools
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