(EDITOR’S NOTE: This is one in a series of articles about property crime in Great Bend and the steps that are being taken to address it.)

Local law enforcement officials already continue to warn citizens that for every area in which home owners work to be safe, criminals also work to find ways to create new victims.
And, sadly, that criminal effort goes into overtime during the holiday season, when people are busier, money is spent more freely, families are on the road more, and, frankly, there are more opportunities for successful property crime.
Information from the National Crime Prevention Council explains that special precautions should be considered when leaving home.
Tips for security when away from home include:
• Have at least two light timers set to turn the lights on and off in a logical sequence, when away from home for an extended time period.
• If you have a motion detector or other alarm system, make sure they have been activated when leaving home.
• Either have mail and newspapers held while you are gone, or have someone stop by to gather them up so they don’t accumulate.
• For those who are going to be gone for more than a short time, make arrangements to have someone tend the yard, clean walks and watch the home.
Even if you are not home, if neighbors are keeping an eye on the house, it’s a good idea to remember the tips for exterior safety:
• Shrubs and bushes need to be trimmed so there is no place for someone to hide.
• There should be no dark areas around the house, garage, or yard where someone could hide.
• Every outside door should have a bright, working light to illuminate visitors.
• Floodlights should be used appropriately to ensure effective illumination.
• Outdoor lights should be on in the evening, whether someone is at home or not.
• A photo-cell or motion-sensitive lighting system can be installed to initiate lighting.