Sheriff Urges Holiday Precautions To Prevent Break-Ins And Package Theft
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Jerimaine Gooch
WATER VALLEY – With holiday travel and package deliveries increasing across Yalobusha County, Sheriff Jerimaine Gooch is urging residents to take simple precautions to reduce the chance of break-ins and thefts during the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
Gooch said property crimes often rise during this period because many homes are left unattended while families are traveling, and because criminals look for opportunities created by increased shopping and shipping activity.
“People are in and out more during the holidays, and that creates chances for someone to slip in when nobody’s around,” Gooch said.
The sheriff noted that package theft has become one of the fastest-growing holiday problems nationwide, and local deputies routinely respond to reports of boxes taken from porches or front yards.
“Delivery drivers are busier than ever, and packages may be left where they are easy to see from the road,” Gooch said. “If you’re not home, that can be an invitation for somebody riding by.”
He recommends having packages delivered to a workplace if no one is at home during the day, requesting delivery alerts, or asking a neighbor to retrieve boxes as soon as they arrive.
Gooch also provided several tips for securing homes while residents are away:
• Keep doors and windows locked.
• Trim shrubs and bushes so windows are visible from the street.
• Leave exterior lights on, especially around entry points.
• Use an interior light on a timer to make a home look occupied.
• Do not allow mail or newspapers to pile up.
• Have trusted neighbors check the property and remove packages.
Gooch also advised residents to be cautious on social media during the holidays. Posting travel schedules, family vacations or pictures that clearly show you’re out of town can unintentionally alert the wrong people. “Save the photos until you get back home,” he said.
The sheriff said inexpensive home security systems such as Blink or Ring cameras have become increasingly effective deterrents.
“Most homes in the county now have access to high-speed internet,” Gooch said. “These systems send instant notifications when there’s movement and record an image. That footage can be a big help to us if something happens.”
The sheriff explained that many property crimes are crimes of opportunity rather than carefully planned break-ins. “A lot of these cases aren’t planned out,” he explained. “People will pull door handles on vehicles at night to see if it’s looked. If it’s locked, they move on. If it’s not, they take whatever they can grab.”
He added that the same pattern applies to sheds, carports or outbuildings. Tools, chainsaws, hunting gear, guns, electronics and even cash are among the most commonly stolen items this time of year. “Most offenders are looking for something quick that they can sell or trade,” Gooch said. “They’re not usually breaking windows or kicking in doors. They’re checking for the easiest target.”
Gooch encourages residents to keep a written record of serial numbers for firearms, electronics, and other high-value items in case they are ever stolen.
