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Trash May Alert Crooks

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By VALERIE KALFRIN

vkalfrin@tampatrib.com

Published: December 25, 2008

TAMPA - The box from Andrea Davis' new flat-screen TV sat in her garage for two weeks as she fretted about setting it by the curb.

"Basically, you've put a billboard out: 'I have this nice new TV. Come on in and take it,'" she said Wednesday.

Her caution is well-founded, according to the National Crime Prevention Council. The national nonprofit group warned this week that homeowners might be taunting thieves about the treasures they have simply by putting out their trash.

Criminals are known to drive through neighborhoods looking for signs of new TVs, computers and other expensive holiday gifts, the council said. They also try to spot valuables through windows, doors and open garages.

Davis, a spokeswoman for the Tampa Police Department, said detectives often speak of this practice, and not just around the holidays. That made her nervous about throwing away the TV box in plain sight.

With prices slashed on electronics because of the poor economy, Davis said she's sure there could be lots of tempting boxes appearing in the trash this week, to homeowners' peril.

"You have to look at it from a criminal's perspective," she said. "They know something they want is there."

Authorities recommend waiting until trash day - not the night before - to set out expensive gift boxes, or to disguise them among other garbage. That's what Davis did. She cut the box into pieces and stuffed them into a large plastic bag.

"It was a hassle," she said, but "if you put it out the night before, it's still out there for a length of time. They do case the neighborhoods. They do look at trash, and they are looking for the next victim."

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800.

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