Don't Let a Marv, Harry or the Grinch Ruin Your Holiday

There seems to be a 'Grinch' in every city this holiday season.  From coast to coast, there is one similar story you can find in the news -- burglars targeting what they can see under your Christmas tree.

No one likes a Grinch!

ENUMCLAW, WA -- Burglars likely entered the house through broken windows and proceeded to steal almost everything under the family's Christmas tree. (You're a mean one, Mr. Grinch)

NEWBURGH, NY -- Christmas gifts collected for the needy were stolen from the reception room at the Salvation Army (You're a monster, Mr Grinch)

BUFFALO, NY -- Thieves made off with holiday gifts intended for nearly 200 children (You're a vile one, Mr. Grinch)

RENVILLE COUNTY, MN --  A burglar broke into a single mother's home and stole gifts from under the Christmas tree (Your soul is an appalling dump heap overflowing with the most disgraceful assortment of deplorable rubbish imaginable, mangled up in tangled up knots.  You nauseate me, Mr. Grinch)

These are just a few of the many stories you can find.  It is very disheartening to know that a criminal (Mr. Grinch) is willing to ruin someones holiday by stealing gifts.  They will also break into your house when they know you will be visiting family over the holidays...

The 'Wet Bandits' meet their match, an 8 year old who was left home on Christmas, in movie 'Home Alone'

Home Alone is a great movie that shows just how ruthless criminals can be!  Not only do they prey on a neighborhood of Christmas vacationers, they steal valuables and destroy households.

Make sure to take precautions in protecting your gifts, valuables and family this season.  Here are some helpful tips (besides setting up some McAllister booby traps, of course):

--Christmas trees look pretty in the window and are fun to look at, but for a criminal, the gifts under the tree that can be seen through the window are the best part.  Displaying your tree is OK, just make sure to lock the window it's front of and DO NOT place gifts in plain view.  Keep them in a closet or hidden until Christmas morning.  Even empty boxes that are wrapped are enticing to a criminal, after all, a criminal won't know that it's an empty box.

--Complete a check of your house, make sure outside is lighted and there are no places for a potential burglar to hide or easily peer into your windows, make sure all entrances/exits can lock (and are locked, even if you are home).  If you can afford it, install a security system.

--Don't leave notes on your door for delivery men.  If you expecting a package, have the company hold it for you and pick it up yourself or have a neighbor bring the gift inside once it's delivered.  There have been many incidents where criminals steal packages right off of your doorstep!

--If you are traveling for the holiday season, have a neighbor bring in your mail and paper.  See if your local police department will perform house checks.

--Wondering what 10 items you'd hate to lose in a burglary (besides Christmas presents?)  Check out this blog to find out.

--Report any suspicious activity to your police department.  Community policing and involvement is the best tool in crime prevention.  Sign up for SpotCrime alerts to become more aware of what's happening in your neighborhood.

Stay alert, stay safe and Happy Holidays!