Tis the season to be jolly. Tis the season of peace and joy. Tis the season for candy canes, cookies, holidays lights and festive parades. That all sounds wonderful, and it is. But sadly, not everyone is in the giving
Tis the season to be jolly. Tis the season of peace and joy. Tis the season for candy canes, cookies, holidays lights and festive parades.
That all sounds wonderful, and it is. But sadly, not everyone is in the giving mood. Not everyone is feeling that Christmas cheer. Some would rather steal. Yes, Virginia, there is a grinch and he’s comes in the form of someone who slithers into your home while you’re away, and sometimes while you’re sleeping.
He creeps in through windows and doors, silently as a mouse, and makes away with some of your most cherishes treasures. He strikes when you’re dozing, perhaps even dreaming of a white Christmas.
Of course, we’re talking about burglars.
Most are aware Kauai has problems with burglaries. Not always, and despite the best efforts of police, there are crime waves, from the North Shore to the South Shore. And this is a time of year when break-ins are even more likely to occur because the bad guys know there may be valuable gifts inside your home, even just sitting there under the Christmas tree. Police recently nabbed a teenager, who was linked to two burglaries and several home break-ins on the North Shore. Police are warning residents and visitors to be extra careful during the holidays. Don’t do foolish things like leave a purse in your shopping cart for a moment, leave packages in plain sight in your car, or go to sleep without locking your door based on the belief you live in a perfectly safe neighborhood. You might, but burglars have cars and are more than happy to pay unexpected visits. And rest assured, there are people watching and waiting for their opportunity to take what you earned. They aren’t dropping in to wish you a merry Christmas.
We don’t want to see anyone wake up December 25 to find nothing but tinsel, crumbs and a few ornaments left behind.
The Kauai Police Department offers these holiday season crime prevention tips:
– Always lock the doors of your vehicle or residence, even when you’re home.
– Check all locks around your home and replace any that are damaged or defective.
– Do not leave shopping bags or other personal items in plain view in your car. Thieves are less likely to break-in if they feel there’s nothing of value to steal.
– Always carry your purse and never leave it in the cart while you shop. Never expose excessive cash in public.
– Park only in well-lit areas and be aware of your surroundings.
– Keep the area around your home well lit by installing motion-sensor lighting and install a security system, if you can afford it.
– Be aware of anyone who might be “casing” your home and form alliances with neighbors, such as an organized Neighborhood Watch Program.
We wish you a merry —and hopeful, crime-free —Christmas.
