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Burglaries - Don't Let Thieves Steal Your Stuff


According to the FBI, most burglaries are conducted in July, August and October, during the day and costs residents an average of $1,381 (in 2001). Since we are coming into the prime burglary season for the year, here are some hints to protect yourself from becoming a burglary victim:


Burglary Prevention Tips

  • When at home, keep an eye out for any suspicious activity in the neighborhood. If you see a stranger hauling items out of your neighbor's house, call 911 immediately. Write down a description of the indiv ual(s) and the license number and description of any vehicles that they may be using.
  • Be sure that your front door jam has screws that are at least 2 1/2 to 3 inches long. Screws shorter than that do not reach the 2X4 stud, allowing someone to kick open your door.
  • Install a single cylinder deadbolt lock with an "I" throw in your front door and your door to your garage. And be sure to lock your house when you are gone!
  • Burglar alarms can detect an intrusion while your gone.
  • With your car in the garage, do not keep valuables, purses, credit cards, keys, etc. in your car.
  • Do not leave your garage doors open if you are working in the back yard. A burglar can easily come in and go out without you noticing.
  • For your windows, install auxiliary non-keyed locking devices.
  • Be quick to change locks. If you move to a new house or apartment have a locksmith change the locks. Also, do not keep your house key with your car keys.
  • If you start receiving several suspicious "wrong number" calls or "no one at the other end" calls, call 911. Warn your family not to give information over the phone about who is at home, who is gone or how long they will be gone.
  • Do not let strangers into your house unless you know they have a legitimate reason to be in it. Burglars often use any pretext to gain entry letting them "case" a target for valuables and ways to gain entry. Ask to see a repairman's ID (if you want you can keep the door closed and look at the ID through a 220 degree wide viewer or peep-hole. If you are being a good Samaritan for someone who says they are having car trouble, make any calls for them while they wait outside.
  • Don't keep large amounts of cash in your house. Also, keep your most valuable jewelry in a safe deposit box.

Operation I.D.

To increase a burglar's risk of being caught if they steal from you, engrave your driver's license number, preceded with the letters "WADL", onto the frames of stereos, computers, TV's, etc. Also, record the serial numbers of your valuables. For more information about Operation I.D. call your precinct Crime Prevention Officer.


Vacation Watch - Volunteers Help Protect Your Home

One of the best ways to protect your home while on vacation is to have a trusted neighbor check on your house picking up your mail and newspapers on your front porch. While they won't pick up your mail, you can also have a Sheriff's Office Volunteer check on your house while you are gone. Contact your precinct to signup for this program.


Source: The Crime Prevention Alliance of Snohomish County