Louisiana – As the holiday season brings new electronics, tools, and jewelry into homes across Louisiana, law enforcement agencies are urging residents to take basic steps to protect their property from thieves looking for easy targets.

While detailed crime statistics were not provided, officers routinely observe an increase in thefts and burglaries during the weeks after major gift-giving holidays. Thieves often focus on newly purchased, high-value items that are easy to carry and quickly resell.

Officials are highlighting two simple, low-cost measures that can make a significant difference: carefully logging serial numbers and identifying marks, and disposing of boxes and packaging in a way that does not advertise new purchases.

Logging Serial Numbers And Identifying Marks

Authorities recommend that residents create and maintain a detailed inventory of valuable items brought into the home, especially during the holidays. This record should include:

• Serial numbers
• Make and model
• Any distinguishing marks, such as scratches, engravings, or custom features

These records are particularly important for items such as:

• Televisions and home theater systems
• Game consoles and computers
• Power tools and specialized equipment
• Jewelry and other high-value personal items

Law enforcement officials advise storing this information securely in at least two formats: a digital version, such as a password-protected document or secure cloud storage, and a physical hard copy kept in a safe place.

If property is stolen, this documentation can help officers:

• Confirm that recovered items belong to a specific victim
• Enter accurate data into national and local law enforcement databases
• Track down stolen goods that appear at pawn shops, secondhand stores, or online marketplaces
• Increase the chances of returning items to their rightful owners

Without serial numbers or unique identifying details, it is often difficult for police to prove ownership or link recovered property to a particular theft report.

Why Serial Numbers Matter In Investigations

Serial numbers serve as a kind of fingerprint for many manufactured products. When an item is reported stolen with its serial number, officers can enter that number into investigative systems used to check property across multiple jurisdictions.

If a stolen item is later recovered—during a traffic stop, a search warrant, or a routine inspection at a pawn shop—matching that serial number to a theft report can turn an isolated recovery into a stronger criminal case. This documentation often supports charges such as possession of stolen property.

Residents are also encouraged to photograph valuable items as part of their record. Photos can capture identifying marks that are not listed on the product label and may further support identification if serial numbers are removed or damaged.

Hiding Evidence Of New Purchases: Box Disposal

In addition to tracking serial numbers, police caution homeowners against leaving large, branded boxes on the curb after unwrapping gifts. Packaging for items like televisions, gaming systems, and high-end electronics can signal to thieves that a home contains valuable, recently purchased items.

Officers note that many thieves do not need high-tech tools to find targets. Simply driving or walking through neighborhoods the week after a holiday can reveal which homes have new, expensive merchandise inside, based on the packaging stacked outside.

To reduce this risk, residents are encouraged to:

• Break down large boxes into smaller pieces
• Place cardboard and packaging inside garbage cans or recycling bins when possible
• Avoid leaving boxes with visible brand names and product photos in plain view from the street
• Consider taking high-profile boxes directly to a recycling center rather than placing them at the curb

While these measures cannot guarantee that a home will not be targeted, they remove some of the most obvious signals that may attract opportunistic thieves.

Combining Simple Steps For Better Protection

Law enforcement officials emphasize that these recommendations are not meant to cause alarm, but to help residents take control over basic security. Recording serial numbers and hiding obvious signs of new purchases are two of the most practical steps homeowners can take during a season when new items are plentiful and routines are often disrupted.

These measures complement other common-sense practices, such as locking doors and windows, turning on exterior lighting, and asking trusted neighbors to watch for unusual activity when residents are away.

By keeping detailed records of valuable property and being careful about how gift packaging is handled, Louisiana residents can increase the chances of recovering stolen items and decrease the likelihood that their homes will be selected by thieves looking for quick, easy opportunities.