Conceal empty gift boxes on the curb

AUSTIN (KXAN) - As you hit the stores for those after Christmas sales, thieves only have to travel to their nearest neighborhood to find the deals.

Overflowing trash bins can get them up to speed quickly on the new, shiny toys Santa left inside the house.

In a Northwest Austin neighborhood, a Nintendo DS box stuffed in a clear trash bag caught our eye. KXAN News rang the doorbell and explained the empty box could attract unwanted guests.

"It's nothing I really think about," said Lee McKinney. "I guess because the neighborhood I'm in."

Lee gave a DS to each of his three daughters.

"It never even occurred to me about the fact that it's just out there in the open, and it does make a lot of sense that they may look at what's in there."

In another neighborhood, a box for a TV mount was sticking out of a trash bin. One can only assume a flat screen TV came with it.

Austin police say people need to protect themselves so they do not become the next target.

"A lot of people get in a rush to get the stuff out to the curb, but sometimes the trash is running late and it gives the criminals an opportunity to canvas the area," said Sgt. David Daniels with the Austin Police Department.

Police say it is best to break down boxes as much as possible and stick them in black trash bags, or a color that conceals the contents.

Austin's downtown recycling center, Ecology Action , is also happy to take extra wrapping paper and boxes that will not fit into recycling bins. It is located at 707 E. Ninth St. near Interstate 35 and is open 24 hours, seven days a week.