McQuiston: Keep Gifts Under Wraps And Away From Holiday Thieves

By ALLEN MCQUISTON
The Jemez Agency

With Christmas just around the corner, many have already started shopping a lot, which also means spending a lot.

The malls are more crowded with folks buying last minute gifts for family and friends. ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but unfortunately, it’s also the season when thieves are on the lookout for cars full of Christmas gifts.

It’s not a surprise that the season brings an increase in the number of thefts from vehicles. Most shoppers don’t stop after one store, (although some of us wish that were the case) and thieves are certainly aware of this.

Here are a few quick tips that will hopefully prevent your Christmas gifts from becoming someone else’s Christmas gifts:

  • Don’t leave items in plain sight, especially if your car doesn’t have tinted windows. If you have to leave items in your car, keep them in the trunk and lock your doors at all times.
  • Park in the more congested areas of the parking lot where there is heavier foot traffic. More people around typically means less risk of your vehicle being broken into.
  • As soon as you get home, unload all of your new purchases right away. Believe it or not, sometimes thieves will follow you home from the store.
  • Keep all of your receipts. In the unfortunate event that you suffer a theft and have to report it to your insurance company, you’ll want to have a copy of all receipts.

Remember that not only could you be looking at having to replace your gifts, but if your vehicle is broken into, you’ll also have to get it repaired. Most auto insurance policies won’t cover the gifts in your car, so you may be paying two deductibles and filing two separate claims.

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