The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office is spreading the word on how to avoid post-holiday thefts, a concern that ratchets up each year as freshly unwrapped gifts potentially lure thieves. An advisory against letting thieves diminish the holiday cheer was shared on social media, emphasizing the importance of how discarded packaging could make homes an attractive target for criminals looking for their next haul.
According to the advice from the sheriff's office, advertised via a Facebook post, residents should be mindful when disposing of boxes for items like new TVs, gaming systems, or sports equipment. The post outlines several strategies to prevent becoming a victim of theft. By taking simple steps such as concealing the identity of your trash or recycling, you could save yourself from unwanted attention.
Highlighted tips for debris discretion included bagging large boxes before placing them on the curb and cutting down boxes, then flipping them inside out prior to recycling. The top suggestion, however, was to bypass curbside disposal and directly take packaging to a local trash or recycling center. These steps help keep potential burglars in the dark about your latest acquisitions.
If residents spot suspicious activity, the sheriff's office firmly advises calling 911. The post concludes with a series of hashtags promoting public safety and community vigilance, including #publicsafety, #postholidaycleanup, and #communitysafety.
