Most people consider the holidays their favorite time of year and burglars are no exception, except they don’t shop at stores, instead they’re prowling through neighborhoods.
“Statistically, most burglaries occur during the day because people are at school or at work and nobody is home,” said Sgt. Bernie Garza, a spokesman with the Weslaco Police Department.
However, that changes during the holiday rush, which creates an even bigger window of opportunity for thieves.
“People are going to be leaving the house for the shopping spree or they are going to visit family out of town. So now you have a big window where no one is there,” Garza said.
Police suggest residents have good lighting around the exterior of their homes, preferably a motion-sensor flood light to make burglars think twice before hitting your home.
“Someone is walking in the backyard – it’s going to flick on. Someone is in the driveway – it’s going to flick on. It’s just a psychological deterrent. It will make them hesitate. ‘Did someone just watch me or was it the motion sensor?’ But that’s what you want,” Garza said.
Some Valley shoppers said knowing there are people who take advantage of families and empty homes during the holidays is upsetting.
“(Christmas) it’s all about respect and loving your fellow human beings. It’s not the time of year. Some people can barely afford Christmas items as it is and it’s sad that someone would take that opportunity to take from others instead of giving. This is the time of year to give,” said Bernice Cavazos, a Valley resident.
Police urge you to contact local law enforcement if you see any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
