'Tis The Season: The 5 Most Common Types Of Holiday Theft

For most people, the holiday season is a time for family, friends and shopping. But for others it’s an opportunity to steal everything from your identity to the gifts under the tree.

According to the Insurance industry, fire and theft claims rise dramatically during the holiday season. Many are crimes of opportunity and can be prevented with some simple steps.

Here are five types of theft home and business owners should guard against during the holiday season.

1. Home Safety Online shopping has made it easier to find the perfect gift without going to the mall, but it also creates easy opportunities for thieves to steal packages from a front or side porch. Thieves follow delivery trucks waiting for an opportunity to strike. If no one is home during the day, consider having packages delivered to an office address or the home of a trusted friend or neighbor. Putting inside and outside lights on timers can make it look like someone if home. Always lock doors and windows when leaving the house. Fires are also prevalent around the holidays. Don’t leave candles in a room unattended or near anything flammable, like curtains or wrapping paper. Use the proper lights for inside and outside and be careful not to overload extension cords or electrical outlets.
2. Vehicle Safety When you go shopping at night, always park in well-lit areas, and shop with a friend or family member. When you approach your car with packages in hand, be aware of who is around and have your keys ready. Packages left in cars attract attention of would be thieves, so leave them in your trunk or out of sight in the vehicle. Purses or other valuables should never be left in your car.
3. Business Safety Store owners hire a lot of extra help during the holidays, but it’s still important to conduct proper screening and background checks of any potential employee. Shoplifting also increases during the holidays.
4. In-store Safety Shoppers need to take extra precautions. Don’t carry a lot of cash and wait until asked to produce your credit card so a nearby theif can’t get your account information. Female shoppers should keep a close eye on their purses and carry them close to their bodies to make it harder for purse snatchers. Don’t advertise your shopping trips, travel plans or holiday parties on facebook. Thieves can track your movements through these social media posts.
5. Online Safety When shopping online, track your charges either online or on the statement when it arrives. Make sure to use secure websites and log off when completing any purchase. MetLife, one of our carriers, cautions against using public wi-fi when shopping online since unsecured hotspots can allow hackers to access sensitive information on devices.

The holidays provide a lot of distractions and thieves will use those distractions for their own gain. Stay alert and take some basic precautions to keep you and your family safe during the holiday season.