LUBBOCK, Texas (KCBD) -Before locking up and heading out for spring break, Lubbock police say a quick walk-through of your property could prevent you from coming home to a burglary.<\/p>\n
Lubbock Police Department Sgt. Brady Cross says criminals look for easy targets and an unoccupied home often gives itself away.<\/p>\n
\u201cA house that\u2019s all dark, no cars around, packages stacked up on the front porch, mall. All those things would leave someone up to no good to think, \u2018hey, perhaps this home is unoccupied, no ones been here for awhile and might be not be there for awhile,\u201d Cross said.<\/p>\n
Officers recommend running through a mental checklist before departure: confirm the garage door is closed, verify doors and windows are locked, move valuables out of plain sight and leave interior lights on to give the appearance the home is occupied.<\/p>\n
Asking a trusted neighbor or friend to collect mail and packages can also eliminate one of the most visible signs that no one is home.<\/p>\n
Sharing vacation plans online before returning home can inadvertently tip off the wrong people, Cross warns.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we talk about traveling out of town and we\u2019re excited about our plans and want others to know what we\u2019re doing and that\u2019s great but you can also let bad guys know, let people know what your plans are or that you\u2019ll be away from home,\u201d Cross said.<\/p>\n
LPD advises waiting until after returning home to post vacation photos and updates.<\/p>\n
With students out of school this week, officers say parents should stay aware of where their children are spending time. Cross says small decisions during spring break can carry serious long-term consequences.<\/p>\n
\u201cA young child, a teen stealing a gun out of a car that takes it from a misdemeanor to a felony when you take a gun out of a vehicle. Little choice, small mistakes if you will, can have long lasting and high level consequences through the rest of your life,\u201d Cross said.<\/p>\n
Officers specifically urge drivers not to leave firearms or other valuables inside vehicles.<\/p>\n
Residents leaving town can contact Lubbock Police at 806-763-5333, to request additional patrols in their neighborhood during their absence.<\/p>\n
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