During this time of year, historically, the Nolan County Sheriff’s Office sees an increase in criminal activity. In an effort to combat this issue, patrol presence will be increased as much as possible to promote safety among drivers, and discourage would-be thieves. In the meantime, here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim of a burglary or theft.

1. LOCK YOUR DOORS! Our office has investigated countless burglaries/thefts and has recovered several stolen vehicles this year. Get in the habit of locking the doors, not only of your home, but your VEHICLE as well; REMOVE your keys. 95% of all vehicle “burglaries” happen to vehicles that are left unlocked. Generally, thieves are looking for an easy target and may move on if a vehicle is locked. Take items thieves might see as a potential target inside your home, such as purses, firearms, laptops, bags of medication, etc.; or at least lock them in the truck of your car if you are out and have to leave the vehicle unattended for any length of time.
2. Take holiday cards directly to the Post Office; don’t leave them in your mailbox for pickup. Thieves often target mailboxes this time of year looking for cards containing cash, gift cards, checks, etc. Also, watch out for each others mailboxes and immediately report anyone who is seen snooping around them.
3. This holiday season, many people will be ordering gifts online and having them delivered to their homes. Thieves know this and have started following around delivery trucks attempting to pick up items left unattended after delivery. If you cannot be there to receive delivery of an expected package, ask a neighbor to pick it up for you and get it from them when you return home.
4. Don’t leave empty boxes from items received as gifts on the curb for trash pick-up. Break down the boxes and put them inside the trash can. A box left on the side of the road, such as one from a new flat screen TV, serves as a beacon to thieves to let them know you have a nice new TV inside your home.
5. Shut the blinds to your home during the day and when you are away from home, especially those near any Christmas trees. Holiday decorations and Christmas tree lights are beautiful; they also tell would-be thieves where gifts are potentially located inside you home, as most families put gifts under and around their Christmas tree.
6. Register with ReportIt and use the free, secure, online service that allows you to record serial numbers, owner applied numbers, descriptions and upload images for televisions, firearms, laptops, gaming consoles, chainsaws, weed eaters and other valuables. If you ever fall victim to a burglary/theft, the system will allow investigators to search for the stolen items using the variety of parameters you provided.If you prefer not to use the software, take pictures of the serial numbers and items they belong on, such as televisions, firearms, laptops, gaming consoles, chainsaws, weed eaters, and other big ticket items, with your smart phone or camera. Also take pictures of all jewelry. This will aid in an investigation TREMENDOUSLY if you ever fall victim to a burglary/theft. Print out copies and give one to your home owner’s insurance agent to place in your file. This copy will serve as a backup if needed and may aid you in making a claim with the insurance agency if the need ever arises.
7. If you don’t have a residential or business alarm, we urge you to consider getting one. There are many models and options available.
8. Form a Community/Neighborhood Watch. Neighbors banding together to be the eyes and ears of law enforcement will help to intercept would-be thieves BEFORE they can commit a crime in your area. If you live in an unincorporated area of Nolan County and are interested in options available, contact Sergeant Angie Collier or Investigator James Villanueva at (325) 235.5471.
9. Make sure your home and neighborhood is well lit at night. Thieves depend on the cover of darkness to hide their criminal activities. TAKE THAT AWAY FROM THEM! Large street lights and motion sensor lights help to keep would-be thieves out of the shadows and hopefully out of your neighborhood!
10. Call law enforcement IMMEDIATELY to report any/all suspicious activity witnessed in your community/neighborhood by dialing 9-1-1. It could be a thief casing your area for something to steal!