Holiday yard decorations which include plywood cut-outs, inflatables, and lighted figures such as reindeer are a favorite target of thieves this year. The College Station Police Department offers the following suggestions for citizens who place decorations outside:

For plywood cut-outs - Drive a 1/4" - 1/2" conduit pipe approximately one foot into the ground and then use conduit strap to fasten the conduit to the plywood. Use a permanent marker or engraving tool to write your 8 digit Texas Drivers License number or place some other unique identifying mark on the back of the cut-out.

For Inflatables - If a loop or strap is provided, use a long tent stake (approximately one foot) to secure it. Write your 8 digit Texas Drivers License number (or some other unique identifying mark) somewhere on the decoration.

For lighted figures - (lighted reindeer) - Use a long tent stake (approximately one foot) to secure it. Again, for metal figures use an engraver to mark your property and for plastic figures use a permanent marker.

When securing your decorations please be careful of underground objects such as sprinkler systems, cable, and other hazards before driving conduit or stakes into the ground. In spite of these precautions you may still become a victim of theft; therefore, it is also a good idea to take a few pictures of your work. The pictures will help police prepare a better report as well as aiding in identifying your items should they be recovered later.

The safety of our community does not have borders. It is the goal of every law enforcement agency to protect the citizens that we serve. Be the eyes and ears of your police department. When you see suspicious activity contact the College Station Police Department at 979-764-3600 or the Texas A&M University Police Department at 979-845-2345; contact the Bryan Police Department or the Brazos County Sheriff's Office at 979-361-3888. Together we can make a difference in our community.