Property crimes, primarily residential and vehicle burglaries that plague our neighborhoods unfortunately tend to increase in number as the weather warms. We can’t emphasize enough the importance of locking your doors and windows, even if you are planning to be gone for only a short period. Most residential burglaries occur via open doors and windows and occur during the daytime while people are away at work, shopping, etc.
• Burglars often times are feeding narcotics habits, carry empty back-packs, loiter in areas prior to striking. Think like a cop: keep in mind license plate numbers, detailed suspect descriptions, direction of travel, etc. to provide to the operator when you call the police.
• Always lock doors, windows and remove visible items, especially packages, computers, cell phones, etc. from view in your parked cars.
• Interact and network with your neighbors and create a phone contact list. You and your neighbors know better than anyone if something is amiss.
• Utilize lighting and radios. A radio left on creates the illusion of someone home rather than a dark empty available house.
• As the weather warms, resist the temptation to leave windows open. Burglars often squeeze through small bathroom and/or kitchen windows.
• If someone knocks or rings your doorbell, obviously you don’t have to open it. However, make sure you make them aware that someone is home by speaking through the locked door.
And if you are a victim of a burglary, call police right away. Also, try to avoid touching items until police arrive in the interest of preserving evidence. Please feel free to contact me should you have any questions or comments.
Senior Lead Officer Maria Gray
310-444-0744
30469@lapd.lacity.org
