Home Safety and Burglary Prevention

Often times Law Enforcement sees a spike in certain types of criminal activity during different seasons of the year.  Winter is a season in which Residential Burglaries and Home Security often become an issue for members of our community. 

In an effort to increase public awareness and educate the public on residential burglaries, the Fort Bragg Police Department has developed some helpful tips that may help prevent community members from becoming victims of residential burglaries:

 First and foremost, Secure Your Home.

o   When you are not home, all windows and doors should be locked and secured, whether you are on vacation, at work, or at the grocery store.

Close Your Garage Door(s) When Not In Use.

o   This includes daytime hours when the garage is not in use.  A suspect can enter your garage and steal valuable items such as tools, bicycles, and gardening equipment in a matter of seconds.

Leave a Light On.

o   Leaving a light or two on inside the residence may give the illusion that residents are home.  If leaving for an extended period of time, consider purchasing a vacation light timer that turns lights on/off randomly giving the appearance the residence is occupied.

Communicate With Your Neighbors/Friends.

o   Let your neighbors or friends know you will be gone.  If neighbors and friends know you are gone, they can pick up your mail daily and check on the home.  Mail collecting in the mailbox may be a significant indicator to criminals that the residence is currently unoccupied.  Neighbors can also notify law enforcement of any suspicious circumstances.

Secure Valuables.

o   If you have the option, secure your valuables in a safe or hide them in an unsuspecting place.  Burglars often look for items that can be taken easily such as jewelry, small electronics like notebook computers, and firearms. 

Lock Vehicles During Morning Warm-Ups.

o  With the weather often times sub-freezing in the early hours, many citizens decide to start their cars and allow them to warm up for several minutes before leaving home for the day.  While leaving a running vehicle unattended carries an obvious risk, it can be done with moderate safety.  Making a spare key for the vehicle will allow you to run the car with the doors locked, preventing a suspect from simply entering the vehicle and driving away.

If you believe your home has been burglarized, DO NOT ENTER THE HOME.  Notify law enforcement immediately by dialing 9-1-1.  Entry can put your safety at risk as well as contaminate possible crime scene evidence.

Following these quick and easy tips may decrease the likelihood of your home and/or vehicle being targeted for crime in the future.

Best Wishes for 2010 from the Fort Bragg Police Department!