by Marcus Washington
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – It is the season
of holiday cheer, but thieves are taking that joy away as they break into
people's homes.
The time between Thanksgiving and Christmas is known as the season
of giving, but there is nothing joyous about a crook shopping inside your home.
"This time of the year, during the holiday season when
everyone is getting gifts and putting them in their car, you should take
special care," said Sgt. Jeff White.
Many homeowners often tell police, "'I do have an alarm, but
today I forgot to set it, but I always set it.' It's that one time you don't
set it, and you don't keep doing it over and over again is when something
happens," said White.
On the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department's website, homeowners
can find an Operation Identification form to write down all items and serial
numbers on items in the home. It's advised to do this as soon as possible,
because most victims regret it after a burglary has happened at their home.
"When the homeowners do have those serial numbers, we're able
to link up a crime from their house to a suspect we found that's done several
different crimes and have property and be able to prosecute them," said
White.
Police say if a burglar wants to get into a home they will, but it
helps to have a record of things of value in the home. It's as simple as taking
a picture of the serial number identifying personal items, and no item is too
small to keep tabs on.
"Anything that has a serial number on it; if it is important
enough to have a serial number on it, it's important to write it down,"
said White.
Police say it's also important to watch out for packages delivered
to the home and bring them in quickly. Crooks are out looking for those fast
grabs as well.
"Make sure your neighbors know that stay home during the day,
that way if they see it. They will be watching out for it, or they can even go
over and get it and bring it in the house," said White.
Metro Police say home and apartment burglaries typically happen
during what they call "school hours," 7:30 a.m. until 2:00 in the afternoon. They suggest having a neighbor who stays home
during the day organize a neighborhood watch and call police for any suspicious
activity in the neighborhood.
