Overton Sheriff: Avoid Posting On Social Media To Protect Home While Away

Overton Sheriff John Garrett said that a little common sense goes a long way when it comes to protecting yourself against burglary.

Garrett said that the best practice to prevent theft of Christmas presents in your home is to avoid posting on social media.

“A lot of people just put way too much stuff on there,” Garrett said. “And remember to make sure to share your experience on social media after you have returned home and don’t put out there for the world to see you’re gone on a trip or you’re visiting relatives in another state.”

Garrett said that it’s also important to be mindful of leaving items in your car while doing last-minute Christmas shopping. He said that he recommends shopping during the day if possible, parking in a well-populated area, and doing what you can to keep items hidden from sight.

“Along with your wallets and purses and things of that nature, make sure those are in a locked vehicle out of sight,” Garrett said. “If a would-be thief happens to walk by your vehicle and they don’t see something worthy of attempting the act of theft, then they’re probably going to go somewhere else. The best thing to do in my opinion is shop during daylight if at all possible in a well-populated area where people are coming and going. And then if not, make sure you’re shopping in the best, well-lit area you can find.”