With the recent exchange of gifts during Christmas celebrations, Cherokee County Sheriff David Groves reminds everyone now is an ideal time to take photographs of those gifts, especially those of value, such as jewelry, firearms and electronics. 

"Before putting recent gifts to use or packing them away, take just a few moments to get a photograph of them, along with serial numbers, so that should any of them come up missing or stolen down the road, law enforcement will have a much better chance of recovering them and returning the items to the rightful owners," stated Sheriff Groves.

"It's not uncommon at all for law enforcement to be working a case, executing a search or even conducting a traffic stop and come across property, which is most likely stolen.  Having photographs to compare the property to really aids the deputy or detective in identifying the items as stolen," continued Sheriff Groves.

"Finally, it's important to break down any manufacturer boxes which gifts may have been in.  Failing to do so, and putting the boxes curbside to be picked up by sanitation workers, only advertises to would-be thieves passing by, what new items are inside your home, which they may want to steal," concluded Sheriff Groves.