Traveling to visit family and friends is commonplace this time of year, but leaving a home alone over the holidays provides an opportunity for the less giving among the population.

Being proactive about preventing theft should be everyone’s checklist who may be traveling out of town over the next few weeks, according to authorities, and taking away opportunity is key.

“The big thing about the holiday season is — especially when homeowners buy expensive gifts like computers, stereo systems, televisions — once you’re done with the boxes, break them down (when put out on the street for trash pick-up) or wait until the day of trash pick-up,” said Washington Police and Fire Services Director Stacy Drakeford in a past interview.

Any boxes that clearly show what their contents held can serve as advertising for thieves — keeping them out of sight until garbage day is the safer bet.

Just in case of a break in, it’s always a good idea to document those gifts either by photo or writing down serial numbers of those items. This gives law enforcement a head start in identifying stolen items.

Drakeford also warned about keeping valuables in the car when out and about: cover them up, put them in the trunk or take them with you, wherever you’re going. And make sure to lock the vehicle — thieves often test doors to see if they’re unlocked and will move on if they are.

Washington Police and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office also offer a service to property owners. If a City of Washington resident is going out of town, they can stop by the police station and sign a form requesting patrols by their residence. The sheriff’s office offers the same service throughout the county.

“They can email me or (Lt.) Kelly Cox the details — address, dates away. We’ll take care of the rest,” said BCSO Chief Deputy Charlie Rose.

The Sheriff’s Office also promotes using simple precautions to make sure the homes of those traveling aren’t a target for would-be thieves: have a neighbor pick up mail or newspapers so it appears someone is home; ask a friend or neighbor to move a vehicle in the driveway from day to day or turn on various lights within the home to make it appear as if the house is occupied. Do not leave a key hidden outside the home — leave it with a neighbor instead.

Rose can be reached crose@co.beaufort.nc.us; Cox can be reached at kcox@co.beaufort.nc.us. The temporary office of Washington Police and Fire Services is located at 1385 John Small Ave., Washington.