FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WTVF) — As the holiday travel season starts up, police warn that it's also a prime season for burglars.
"Generally during the holidays, criminal activity does increase," Franklin Police Officer Ryan Schuman said.
To fight the increase, Franklin Police, along with several other mid-state departments, are offering officer 'check-ins,' where a police officer can check on somebody's home while they are away.
"We will get out and pull in the driveway, do a perimeter walk around the house, we will look for anything suspicious, check your doors make sure they're locked and if there any broken windows or anything like that," Schuman said.
Schuman said the checks don't just help ease homeowner holiday stress, it helps investigators, too.
"The quicker we can find any type of criminal activity the better," Schuman said.
If you live in Franklin, you can sign up for police check-ins at their website. If you live someplace else, you can check with your police department to see if they offer the service.
Schuman said there are additional steps you should take before you hit the road. He said you should ask a friend to pick up any mail or packages that may signal to criminals that you aren't home, get to know your neighbors, and wait to post about your vacation online until you are back home.
"Anytime you put something out on social media, your friends and relatives see, and often times the criminals also see it," he said.
