Summertime Burglary Tips - From Seattle Police Department East Precinct

As the days get longer - and we long to be outside - it is important to remember that Summertime is when Burglary rates increase. Seattle Police have updated their Tip Sheet for Summer 2010. Thank you to the East Precinct officers Crime Prevention Coordinators Terrie Johnston and Benjamin Kinlow, and Mark Solomon for putting this sheet together!

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It is not unusual to see an increase in residential burglaries during the summer months. With the warmer temperatures, we want to open our windows and enjoy the fresh breezes. Unfortunately, these open windows and doors can be an opportune time for a burglar to strike We are still recommending

leaving your windows locked, especially when you are away from the house. If you absolutely need the windows to be open, find a way to pin the windows open (no more than four-inches). Putting a shorter dowel in the track of your sliding door/windows would work, and many of the vinyl windows have locks in the tracks allowing windows to be blocked yet open. Or pins can be purchased to screw onto the tracks of your windows.

Remember, that if you are in the back yard gardening or having a bar-b-que, you may not hear nor see someone slip into the front room. Keep your doors locked, even when you are home.

One Seattle burglar, recently arrested on Queen Anne told Burglary detectives that he likes to walk around the neighborhood during the day, merely looking into windows to see if there is any merchandise he wants. If so, this will be his next target. So I am now recommending leaving blinds down in the rooms that have your electronics; or your home office which might be home to your safe, mail, banking statements, etc.

Many of us have remodel projects during the dry weather. This brings strangers onto the block, with unknown vehicles and tools. As a result, neighbors can get complacent about strangers in the neighborhood, and consequently won’t report a possible burglar if they see one. Please remember you can use 9-1-1 to report suspicious activity. Be prepared to share details w/the call taker and explain what is abnormal in what you are reporting. Watchful neighbors remain your best alarm! Burglars like secluded backyards, so keep your shrubbery trimmed to allow neighbors natural surveillance.

If you will be gone on vacation please check that all doors and windows are securely locked before you leave. If you have an alarm system, make sure it is activated when you leave. Use automatic timers on interior lights. A timer can also be used on a portable radio. Photo electric cells screwed into the light socket of your front and back porch lights will “automatically” turn lights on/off depending on the level of darkness. Make sure items such as children’s toys, ladders, tools, lawn furniture, etc. are put away. Inform a trusted neighbor about your vacation plans. Your neighbor can gather newspapers, mail, etc for you during your absence. Have someone park their car in your driveway and use your garbage/recycling bins while you are gone.

If you want to participate in this year’s Annual National Night Out, please register your block on our website www.seattle.gov/police/nightout . If you would like to schedule a new Block Watch meeting, or re-kindle an older one, please contact me in the West Precinct at terrie.Johnston@seattle.gov or 206-684-4741. I also conduct free home security surveys if you are interested. I have more information to share with you and your neighbors.

Thats it - hope this helps keep your summer fun & burglar free!

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