Florissant Police Caution Residents About Protecting New Gifts

Although everyone will continue to enjoy their families and gifts on Dec. 26, there are a few safety issues to be considered when taking care of the new property.

Sgt. Kevin Boschert cautions residents to think about safe disposal for their new Christmas gift boxes.

“We always caution people, especially with the push for people to recycle, to make sure to tear up into small pieces those large boxes for such items flat screen televisions, stereos, etc.,” Boschert wrote in an email to Florissant Patch. “If their trash can is full, they may want to spread those type of boxes out over a couple of trash pickup days, or utilize some other recycling depot.”

The Florissant Health Department offers free recycling totes for residents to use year round; however, if residents are interested in recycling their Christmas gift boxes for a single use, the recycling center is open each day, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Boschert also suggests that in preparing for a possible burglary, residents should consider writing all model and serial numbers. He also encourages residents to take photos of large-ticket items, such as TVs, jewelry and other items, in the event that their home is burglarized.

“Serial numbers and photos are a tremendous investigative tool for officers when attempting to recover a victim’s property,” he said. “I’d also recommend taking photos of any jewelry as it becomes difficult for most people to fully describe a ring or necklace to an officer. A photo is worth a thousand words in those instances.”

The Florissant Police Department also offers an engraving tool for residents to be able to record their driver’s license number on items such as TVs, stereos, video game equipment, etc.

For more information about this tool, call the department at 314-831-7000.