Empty driveways and dark homes can fall victim to burglars during winter. This is especially true in a place like Athens; the city becomes a ghost town when the college students leave. Locking your doors and double checking your windows may not be enough. The Oconee County Sheriff’s Department encourages citizens to fill out a Request for Security check.

Shelby Stevers works at the Sheriff’s Office and says the form is available online or you can even call in and she can fill the form out for you.

There are other ways to keep your home safe during the holidays as well. When Wilson goes out of town to be with family this Christmas, she’ll pack away her most important belongings and leave a key with her trusted nieghbor.

The Oconee County Sherriff’s Office does see a higher rate of thefts, especially car break-ins, during December. They say people should double check their windows and doors.