TYLER — A lot of people have big purchases on their Christmas wish-list, and if you're lucky enough to get that new TV or that hot new gadget, you'll likely have a smile from ear-to-ear. But it's what you do after the fact with the boxes those gifts came in that could determine if that smile is turned upside down.
"I think it goes without saying, that with the holidays upon us, everybody is gift-giving and shopping," says Jeff Roberts with the Tyler Police Department.
It's the sight of emptied boxes after those gifts are unwrapped that could cause issues.
Days after the holidays, the piles of boxes sit curbside outside homes showing off the new toys and electronics that can now be found inside the house.
"You don't want those big ticket items out there on the side of the street, just like a crime of opportunity, now it gives people an availability to think that these items might be in your house."
In addition to the discarded boxes, the logos and labels exposed on the holiday trash could also serve as advertisement to the expensive gifts you just received, giving potential burglars and thieves an idea of what exactly they could take off your hands once you've left home.
"I think what you want to think about is just being responsible," says Roberts.
In a new report, Texas had an average of 69 thefts per 10,000 residents during the holidays over the last five years, largely including porch pirates. But police warn if thieves are willing to steal wrapped packages with no clue what's inside, they're even more likely to be tempted by those empty boxes sitting outside your home.
"Right now, obviously you want to pay attention and do your due diligence to protect your property. Again, crimes of opportunity. Criminals take advantage of that. They're looking for unlocked doors, they're looking for things, things that you could do as a consumer to protect yourself."
So, don't be lazy this holiday season. After you're done opening your gifts, break down your boxes so that they're small enough to fit discreetly into your home garbage can. If you don't want to do that, you can gather them and drive them to your nearest recycling bin or community dumpster.