Property crimes
In the March “On Target” newsletter, we discussed some burglary prevention ideas for homeowners. We will continue with the related topic of property crimes in this month’s newsletter. As spring approaches, the nicer weather often prompts individual residents and entire neighborhoods, to take a more relaxed attitude toward general security measures in and around their homes and businesses. For example doors (including garage doors), windows and sheds are regularly left open and/or unlocked – and unattended, for extended periods of time.
Because of the nature of property crimes, which can involve homes, garages, sheds, cars and businesses, they often make up a majority of the crimes in any given area. The good news is that there are steps you can take to make your home, your car or your business less attractive to thieves.
Most property crimes are crimes of opportunity. Thieves often find it difficult to pass up an open garage or shed filled with high value, easy to fence, items. An unlocked vehicle – especially one with keys left in it, is an open invitation for theft. Granted, locking your residence or vehicle doors and windows doesn’t guarantee that criminals won’t just kick in a door or break out a window to gain access. However, that does tend to make lots of noise which may bring negative attention from neighbors or others in or around the area. If you make it more difficult (even just a little) for the criminals, they are more likely to search out easier targets.
Here are some additional tips for safeguarding your property.
• Think like a burglar – walk around your property/business looking for easy access points and anything else that might attract a criminal’s attention.
• Install multiple locks, including deadbolts, on all outside doors.
• Always close and lock doors and windows that are accessible from ground level and not within your view.
• Install outdoor lights, including motion sensitive lighting, wherever possible.
• Keep vehicle doors locked, even in your driveway, and all valuables out of sight.
Visit the Web site www.rateyourrisk.org to assess the risk of burglary to your home.
A deterrent doesn’t stop crime, that’s impossible. It just prevents it from happening to you. Your goal is to make it more trouble to steal from you than someone else.
City Wide Property Crime Statistics
Crime for 2010
Auto Theft
Jan. – 1
Feb. – 0
March – 1
Residential Burglary
Jan. – 2
Feb. – 7
March -5
DUI
Jan. – 5
Feb. – 6
March -5
Vandalism
Jan. – 10
Feb. – 4
March -10
