Tips to keep your home safe from burglary this holiday season

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The holiday season is a perfect time for burglaries to take place, with many people away from their homes to visit friends and family.

The North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations reported there were 23,968 burglaries reported last year in North Carolina.

You’re advised to look for weak points of entry, such as a door that does not lock properly or an unlocked window.

Also be sure to check the lighting on your property. Consider installing motion sensor LED lights around the exterior of the house.

Other tips include:

• Set timers on interior lights. Giving the impression that someone is home can help in deterring burglars, who often look for crimes of opportunity.

• When traveling for the holidays, do not make it evident to criminals. Arrange for someone to move the trash can on designated days, pick up newspaper, mail, packages, and anything left at door.

• Park a vehicle in the driveway. Keeping an extra vehicle in the driveway or asking a neighbor to park their vehicle might help deter potential burglars.

• Do not advertise on social media about vacation plans before and during, as criminals monitor these sites. Rely on your friends for help. Ask someone you trust to visit your house regularly while you are gone to give your home that lived-in feel.