The holidays are rapidly approaching and as stores are filling up with Christmas shoppers and people are preparing for family and friends, officials warn that burglars and thieves are entering their prime season.

Whether homeowners are at the mall or visiting friends and family, they are leaving their valuables unattended, creating a target of opportunity for the criminal shopper who’s looking for a bargain, according to Lt. Rodney Strickland of the Laurinburg Police Department.

Strickland says that no matter where you live, you’ll probably hear a news report of some family having all their gifts stolen just before Christmas day.

“During this holiday season, everyone should be careful and take all the necessary steps they can to reduce the chance of becoming a victim to a home burglary," Strickland said. "Don’t allow criminal shoppers the opportunity to steal the benefits of what you have worked so hard for this Holiday Season."

In 2008 there were an estimated 2,222,196 burglaries to occur across the nation, an increase of 2 percent when compared with 2007, according to national statistics. Of these burglaries residential properties accounted for 70.3 percent of all the burglary offenses, costing victims to suffer a lost estimated at $4.6 billion in lost property.

While there are no fail proof home protection plans, Strickland says there are some steps people can take that will help reduce their chance of becoming a victim to a residential burglary.

• Don’t advertise your presents. Depending on where you live there may be many sets of eyes watching you carry in that new laptop computer or Playstation 3. If possible, have them pre-wrapped before delivery.

• Be sure to keep your gifts out of sight from those who may be lurking around outside your home, peaking through open blinds and curtains.

• Expensive gifts should not be left out in the open under the tree. Consider placing them in a much safer location.

• When not at home, be sure to close and lock all doors and windows. Don’t hide spare keys under doormats, potted plants or over light fixtures – most burglars will check theses places.

• Have neighbors keep a watchful eye out for any suspicious persons, vehicle or activities around your home.

• Place lights and a TV on timers. This will help make your home appear occupied.

• If staying away from home for a period of time, consider having your mail be held by the Postal Service until your return.

• Once the holidays are over and you begin to take that 50 inch flat panel screen box to the curb along with the new Nintendo Wii box, you may just as well scream to the top of your lungs, “come look what I got”. Instead tear the boxes down, fold them up and put them in trash bags, or better yet, take them to the nearest dump or recycling center yourself.

Lt. Strickland also encourages everyone to have a safe holiday and to be on the lookout for any suspicious activities throughout neighborhoods and shopping centers, and to report any problems to the Laurinburg Police Department or local authorities.