Longer nights and the holidays means residents should heed the advice of local police on how to prevent home burglaries.

The Palos Heights Police Department provided tips for how to prevent burglaries this season. Break-ins are not just a nighttime activity. Reporting anything unusual or suspicious regardless of the time of day is key to prevention.

Strangers who come to the door saying like they have the wrong address also can be trouble. Police advise not to open the door if you do talk with them.

Here are some more tips:

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• Make your home look occupied. Never allow newspapers to pile up, mailboxes to become stuffed, or garbage cans be left out for several days. Arrange with a trusted friend or neighbor to collect these items, or contact the US Postal Service to stop delivery. Make arrangements to have your lawn cut or your driveway shoveled during the winter.
• Make it difficult to break in. Lock all exterior doors and windows before you leave or before you go to bed. “PIN” sliding glass windows by putting a security bar in the track.
• Check your burglar and fire alarms to make sure they are working properly, and ARM them.
• Set automatic timers for interior and exterior lights, radios and televisions.
• Lock valuables in a secured safe, or use a safe deposit box. Document all valuables, especially serial numbers. A video camera or photo camera can also be used to document such items.
• Lock your CAR DOORS, and do not leave valuables in them overnight.
• Be aware of people/vehicles that may be around when you are leaving your residence.
• If you see a suspicious person or vehicle, PLEASE don’t hesitate to call 911.

Source: Palos Heights Police Department