OPP warns against putting empty boxes out for curbside pickup

The Ontario Provincial Police arewarning residents of Waterloo Region against putting out empty television or computer boxes for curbside garbage collection, as the boxes tip offthieves to the presence of expensive newelectronics.

• RELATED: No waste orrecycling pickup on Christmas or New Year's Day

"Thieves can quickly ascertain what you've received on your Christmas wish list by simply driving by and looking at the gift boxes put out to the curb," said OPP Const. Ed Sanchuk.

"Criminals can easily gauge which house would make a great target based on the advertisement left out for them each year."

Sanchuk suggests taking empty boxes directly to the nearest recycling facility. He also recommends shredding all holiday receipts and arranging to have a neighbour collect your garbage and recycling cans if you plan to be away over the holiday season.

Local facilities accepting cardboard

In Waterloo Region, residents are able to drop off cardboard at the Cambridge and Waterloo recycling facilities, though there is a minimum $5 charge.

There is another option for those who want to get rid of tell-tale packaging according to Kathleen Barsoum, the region's waste management coordinator.

"Break them down," she said, "and when you flatten them, maybe turn them inside out, so that the print on the outside isn't showing."

Barsoum says putting old electronics at the end of your driveway is also a giveaway, as it lets thieves know you've replaced an old television or computer with a new flat screen or laptop.

She said a list of drop-off locations for consumer devices can be found at recycleyourelectronics.ca.