BBB on homes: Follow neighborhood-safety suggestions

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As the holiday season approaches, many people are eager to celebrate the festivities to come and possibly enjoy a nice vacation. During the holidays, however, it is important to remain vigilant because unfortunately, crime can also increase around this time. The Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas has simple tips to stay secure at home and help make your community safer throughout the year:

Get to know your neighbors. Just knowing who your neighbors are is valuable, but establishing relationships really makes a difference in keeping your neighborhood safe from crime. Form a watch group in your area and report suspicious activity. Alert neighbors and police if you see unfamiliar cars driving slowly or individuals acting suspiciously. Keep a list with names and phone numbers of homeowners on your block handy.

Monitor door-to-door sales. Although many legitimate companies solicit door to door, con artists use this technique as well. If a door-to-door salesperson knocks on your door, know you do not have to answer the door or allow the person into your home. If you choose to answer, do not commit to purchase any product or service until you have checked the company out with BBB by visiting BBBHouston.org. Also, remember, according to state law, you have three days to cancel any sale made at your home.

Trash and recycling bins. Many people put their collection bins out the night before pick-up or they do so just before leaving for work in the morning. In either case, "dumpster divers" may have an opportunity to dig through your trash for personally identifiable information. Never put financial or personal information in your trash. If you see people going through your trash, call your local police. Do your best to collect your bins the same day sanitation crews have collected trash and recycling.

Shred your documents. Destroy all documents with financial or personal information in a cross shredder. This includes things like bank and credit card statements, stock portfolios, tax returns, ATM and credit/debit card receipts, copies of birth, death, and marriage licenses, vehicle titles, deeds and mortgages, pay stubs and insurance policies.

Mailboxes. Mail theft is one of the primary ways thieves get personal information to perpetrate identity theft. Collect mail as soon as it is delivered, or get a locking mailbox to give you more security. Be on the lookout for bills or financial statements that do not show up; this is a sign of possible identity theft.

Home security systems. Professional home security systems can be a deterrent to criminals. If you can't afford a complete system, consider relatively inexpensive home security products like motion sensor lights, etched window glass film, tethered safes, patio door reinforcement bars, light timers, and entry alarms. Also, never leave keys in your car, even when it is in your garage.

Vacation safety. While on vacation, let police, neighbors, or friends and family know when you will be gone and where and how they can reach you. Having someone check on your home, bring in newspapers and mail, and turn lights on and off can help keep your home safe. If you're going to be away for an extended period, consider a stop order for your newspapers and mail while you're gone.

The Better Business Bureau is an unbiased nonprofit that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Every year, more than 87 million consumers rely on BBB Business Reviews and BBB Wise Giving Reports to help them find trustworthy businesses and charities across North America. For information or to check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit www.bbbhouston.org, which includes our BBB Accredited Business Directory, or call 713-868-9500. Leah Napoliello is senior director of Investigative Services with the Better Business Bureau of Greater Houston and South Texas. Send questions regarding homeowner issues to Leah Napoliello, Better Business Bureau, 1333 West Loop South, Suite 1200, Houston, TX 77027, or e-mail her at lnapoliello@bbbhou.org. Include mailing address and phone number on letters and emails.