For Tri-State Area Burglars, The Holidays Are The Season For Stealing
PARAMUS, N.J.(CBSNewYork) -- For most people the holidays are the season of giving, but for burglars it is the season for taking.
Home break-ins often increase during the holidays as it gets dark out earlier during the winter months, explained home security expert Dan Coleman.
Last week, in Paramus, New Jersey a burglar broke into a Harrison Street home between 3 and 5 p.m., police said. The brazen burglar busted through the front door before ransacking the house.
Coleman told CBS 2's Tracee Carrasco that homeowners may be unknowingly inviting crooks in.
"This door has glass on it. It's decorative so that it's easier for the burglars to go into the home and to break through a door like that," Coleman said.
Front doors are often a prime point of entry for burglars.
"It looks less suspicious when they are at the front door. And, another reason is most front doors have a delay for the alarm and that buys them time," he said.
Coleman suggests having multiple timers on home lighting systems set up at different intervals.
A Christmas tree and presents sitting in the window may look festive but it could also make your home a target.
"They'll know when people are going to be out of the house based upon certain religious ceremonies and events," Coleman explained.
Finally, experts suggested that if you do see a suspicious person or vehicle in your neighborhood you should call police immediately.
You May Also Be Interested In These Stories
