COLUMBIA, S.C. — The holidays are here, and it's law enforcement says it's good to be smart about your family's safety.
“Keep the car doors locked; don't give a thief the opportunity to break a window and get in your car,” homeowner Liz Capps said.
She learned long ago never to give a thief the opportunity to victimize you and take your belongings.
“Being aware of my surroundings, knowing when my package will be delivered. To me, that's all a part of preventative maintenance to protect myself, my house, my packages, my family, ” she said.
As the holiday season unfolds, vigilance and collaboration remain key in safeguarding not only your holiday gifts but your family as well.
Newberry Sheriff Lee Foster said there are ways to protect yourself from being victimized.
“You can install a porch Ring camera or Blink camera. Those are relatively inexpensive and relatively cheap," Foster said. "It records who is on your front porch, and it is used for a doorbell or an alternate doorbell. Those are probably the most efficient and inexpensive ways of protection.”
Sheriff Foster's approach mirrors the growing trend of using technology to enhance security.
Smart doorbell cameras, equipped with motion sensors and real-time alerts, have become popular tools.
Some homeowners lean on their community to help keep their family and their home safe.
“One of the things I truly believe in is for neighbors to look out for each other," Capps said.
However, if you find your package has been stolen, law enforcement urges you to contact them.
“It needs to be reported because the people that do this, it's not an isolated event,” Foster said.
