Post-Christmas trash could draw crooks to your home

Reporter: Nicole Valdes
Published: Updated:

CAPE CORAL, Fla.- Boxes that once held expensive gifts could draw some unwanted attention.

Cape Coral police recommend residents do not leave large, open and labeled boxes next to their trash bins after Christmas.

“What we don’t want people to do is advertise to the whole world what your son, your daughter or you might have gotten for your holiday gift,” said Cape Coral Sgt. Dana Coston.

A number of homes around Cape Coral were seen with piles of trash visible to anyone driving by. Some of the boxes once held keyboards, microwave ovens, blenders and toys.

Lynn Smith says she knows just how dangerous that can be during this time of year.

“There had been minor burglaries, this was before Christmas, people breaking into people’s cars,” she said. “If you got a big electronic item, you might wanna break up the box.”

Coston also advised residents to hide labels in large black trash bag, or set out their trash little by little rather than all at once.

“That reduces the likelihood of people being able to drive by and basically shop to see what you may have in your house,” she said.

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