Albany Herald

ALBANY, Ga. — While other crimes have dipped, property crime in Albany has risen, according to FBI statistics released this week.

The Albany Police Department plans a free exposition of security devices and measures that the community can use to thwart property crime starting at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Albany Civic Center.

“We’ve seen the slight increase in property crimes,” APD spokeswoman Phyllis Banks said. “We want to help people out with information on what they can do to prevent property crime.”

The “Security Seminar” is expected to feature at least 10 security businesses that will have equipment used to secure and monitor everything from homes, businesses and churches to air conditioners.

APD officers from the burglary unit will be on hand to make presentations and answer questions. With the holiday season approaching, Banks said that everyone should be aware that property crimes generally rise this time of year.

Christmas is a time when presents are gratefully accepted. It is also a time when thieves know the goods are in the house.

Putting a box from a flat-screen television Christmas present out for trash pickup is an open invitation to thieves looking for loot. Not putting the box where it can be seen is a simple tip but one many don’t remember.

A tip to cut up the box and put it in the trash could save a resident the loss of a high-cost TV. Banks said there will be more tips and strategies to protect property available at the seminar, which is scheduled to end at 1 p.m.

Representatives of Central Monitoring and other security firms will also be at the seminar with ideas on how their security systems can serve the business and residential community.