Local Authorities Warn Your Trash Could Provide Shopping List For Burglars
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- January is a popular month for cleaning out and reorganizing your home. And many people did just that while they were stuck at home during the weekend snowstorm. But police warn you should keep your trash under wraps.
One man's trash can be another man's treasure, especially if that "other man" is a thief searching for clues about whether your house should be their next hit. Dragging out the empty box from your new television or computer and placing it next to your trash can may seem like an innocent move, but it could be a sign to potential robbers that you have stuff worth stealing.
"Discard the packages such as TV's and computers,and people driving by know exactly what you have," says Nether Providence Police Chief David Splain. "Basically you're advertising what you have in your house and potentially setting yourself up for a burglary."
Splain has been getting the word out through social media and suggests that you break the boxes down into smaller pieces and put them inside a trash can so they aren't visible. It takes a little time, but could save you time and aggravation in the long run.
