It was reported at this month’s North Precinct Advisory Committee that home invasion burglaries (burglaries when you are home) are down, but most of the ones that are happening are because doors or windows are left unlocked. You can reduce your risk by remembering to lock up. Thieves often try door knobs and windows; if they are locked, they often move on, but if they are open, they go in.
This tip was given as well – recording the serial numbers of your electronics helps in several ways if they are stolen:
- it increases the chances of tracking down the thieves
- it increases the chances of you getting your goods back
- it helps when making insurance claims
I want everyone to know about something I witnessed in our neighborhood at 3:00am on September 2, 2010: As I was walking my dog, I noticed two men, dressed in all black, with hoody shirts and low-crotch pants, walking out of a neighbor’s yard on 23rd. They did not see me, and for the first time in her life my dog was quiet. They tried the locks on the neighbor’s motorhome and car, and checked out their porch, door and carport. They were large men, one about 6’2 and the other maybe 5’10 and brawny. They looked mean, and determined. I saw them from about 6 feet away, as I hid in the bushes, and got a good look at their faces. They knew exactly what they were doing, had a method and were efficient at it. They continued northward rapidly on 23rd (from Northgate Way), stealing mail and checking all porches, cars and driveways. They ran and hid in the shadows every time a car passed on Northgate Way. As soon as I could I ran to check on the welfare of my neighbors in whose yard I’d first seen the men. After waking them up we called the police (I didn’t have a cell phone). The police responded immediately, but were unable to spot them. This same pair has been seen before in our neighborhood, very late at night, following the same pattern. They appear to case the mailboxes and houses around the 1st of the month, probably looking for checks, etc. Please be careful; these are very scarey looking guys. I told many of the neighbors about it, but didn’t know about this blog until recently. I hope this helps keep everyone safe. Trish Hurley