Holiday season can be full of crime

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The holiday shopping season has begun. While most people will spend hard earned money buying gifts, there are those who will take what they want from you. That is why Police Departments across Central Texas are warning people to pay attention and not become a victim.

Statistically, police have said that the holiday season is high property crime time because thieves want to shop without paying. "We are looking at the time of the year where we see an increase in car burglaries, we see an increase in residential burglaries," said Pflugerville Assistant Police Chief Jim McLean. That is why the Pflugerville Police Department has started leaving signs around the city. The signs at the entrances of shopping areas and neighborhoods are simple reminders to residents to "Drop it and Lock it". In other words, drop the garage door, close it when you are inside the house.

"Don't put your Christmas trees in front of your windows that leave your gifts in plain view," said Mclean. Other tips to keep from being a victim, "lock it". Lock the front door of your home and your car doors too. Pflugerville Police said that burglarizing a car is a crime of opportunity. It is becoming easier, because they are seeing more instances where the car's owners are leaving the doors unlocked.

"They go in, they see DVD players, they see a purse a cell phone, a computer, something that is real easy for them to open the door grab and they run," said McLean. The assistant police chief says simple steps during the holidays will deter criminals.

"If I buy anything, I lock it up in the trunk," said Rogers. If it is out of sight and locked up, police have said criminals will probably move on. Pflugerville police said you can contact them to do a safety assessment of your home. If you comply with the suggestion, you may qualify for a discount on your insurance.