GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - Every year during the holidays, law enforcement agencies warn residents about porch pirates and holiday phishing scams, but holiday trash can quickly become a thief's holiday treasure.
Whether it be empty boxes of big ticket gifts like flat screen TV's, computers or game consoles, sanitation workers see it all after Christmas.
One driver says he typically sees gift packaging and boxes on the curb or at the top of resident's trash bins at least 40 to 50 times during his route. He calls this an invitation to thieves.
"Obviously with that being out there in front of your house, it's a red flag if you will, for everyone to know what is in that house," said Brad Turner, a driver and safety supervisor for Kirby Sanitation. "You're opening yourself up to break-ins and bigger problems."
But for some residents, the thought never crossed their minds.
I never really think about it. I usually come [to a recycle center] to dump my recyclables and boxes. But, it makes sense leaving a labeled box of something like a TV, something expensive like a laptop out next to your trash would be saying 'Hey everybody, this is what I have in my house.'
Turner says taking a few extra minutes to hide the boxes can make all the difference in your home being the next target for a robbery.
"If you break down your boxes, or maybe, put boxes inside of boxes with things that are not labeled, it can keep it more discrete and more confidential," said Turner.
Another alternative would be to set the trash out right before it is scheduled to be picked up.
Residents can also visit recycling centers located around Greenville County to dispose of trash like boxes, tins and mixed paper. There is a center near Downtown Greenville on Stone Avenue and one located off of Rutherford Road.