Fresno Police offers safety tips for holiday shoppers

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- More than 100 officers from the Fresno Police Department, the California Highway Patrol, and the Fresno County Sheriff's Office will be on extra patrols around area shopping centers through Christmas, but they cannot follow you home.

They are offering some tips to protect yourself, from the front of your home, a gate, a deadbolt, surveillance cameras, and even signs can all help.

"Even if you don't have a dog or even if you don't have cameras, just saying that you do might deter them," said Sergio Garcia.

Sheriff's Detective Garcia says the Granville model home has some strong safety features--lights on all sides, and an alarm system including sensors on doors and windows.

"Try and have all, at least the ground level windows, with a sensor on each window," said Garcia.

Closed curtains block a burglar's view, so they may not think it is worth it to break in and motion sensors can help, in case the crooks break windows or sliding doors.

"The point of entry on burglaries are in this area, probably about 90 percent, only because there's so much glass," said Garcia.

One more tip for online shoppers who do not have the benefit of police on patrol--if you have deliveries to your house, make sure to require a signature so they do not get left at your front door.

Apps for the sheriff's office and several police departments offer a house check to help make sure your holidays do not end on a down note.