From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Dec. 14, 1986:

Bob Avery, crime prevention officer with the Lawrence Police Department, reminded Lawrence residents of precautions to be taken before going on a holiday vacation. Crime statistics indicated that thieves were often successful in Christmastime robberies, with Lawrence burglaries showing an increase in December and January. Vacationing residents were reminded to leave their house lights on a timer, unplug their telephones, and ask a neighbor to pick up mail and shovel snowy walks. In the house, Avery also recommended people to remove their valuables out of sight. “Replace the vacant spot with a plant or something so it doesn’t look like something is missing. The idea is that if the burglars don’t see the item, they often won’t waste time looking for it,” Avery added.