If you’re hosting a large party anytime during the holiday season, it’s a good idea to keep tabs on who is coming in and out…and to make sure they’re actually guests, and not someone up to no good.

That’s the advice from Knoxville Police Chief Dan Losada; he says if you have people coming in and out of your house, you should make sure everyone who’s there actually belongs there — and isn’t really a burglar using the opportunity to case your home for valuables they can take later.

Chief Losada tells KNIA/KRLS News even if you’re not having a party, there’s always the chance someone will come to your door claiming to be looking for a party…but who is really looking to steal, or do harm.

“Knock on wood, we haven’t had that issue lately here; but that’s always a possibility. If someone comes to your door and is looking for someone, don’t let them in your house,” Losada says. “If they want to use the phone, if you decide to let them use your phone, step outside and let them use it outside. Don’t let strangers into your house for any reason.”

As for your other guests, Losada says you should take care to make sure any medications or other medicines you have are secure. Even if someone is a friend or a family member, it’s not uncommon for people to look for prescription medications they can steal; they could be abusing them, or they could have an unexpected reaction to something not prescribed to them.