Sean C. Morgan
Sweet Home police are asking residents to lock the doors to their homes and cars and take steps to reduce the chance of being burglarized.
Police report that second-degree burglary and unauthorized entry to motor vehicle complaints are up significantly since March.
The first and most important thing residents can do is lock up.
?Some people leave their cars unlocked,? Detective Cyndi Pichardo said. ?We want them to lock their cars.?
Criminals are breaking into cars and stealing items along with information, including names, addresses and other personal information.
?Everything they own needs to be secured,? Detective Jeff Lynn said.
Other steps people can take to protect themselves are better locks for sheds and outbuildings, Detective Pichardo said. It takes about two seconds to cut through a padlock.
People can improve lighting also,? Detective Lynn said. Increased lighting and visibility around a property can reduce the risk of burglary.
Sometimes the burglaries and break-ins happen in daylight hours, but mostly they occur during the night, Detective Lynn said.
?Generally, they?re going for the easiest target,? Detective Pichardo said.
An unlocked car is easier and quicker to open than a locked car, Detective Lynn said.
?Don?t leave valuables in sight,? Detective Pichardo said.
?If it?s locked,? Detective Lynn said. ?And you look in and you see nothing, you won?t break in.?
Instead, the detectives said, the burglar will move on for an easier target where they can see valuables.
If someone sees something suspicious, he or she should contact police immediately and provide a description, including height, weight, clothing, vehicle and license plate number, which is the most important.
Suspicious circumstances may include a person on foot or a car that does not look like it belongs in the area, Detective Pitchardo said. A vehicle may be driving by slowly, the driver looking at houses and cars, casing a neighborhood.
The suspicious person probably will act nervous and wear dark clothing, Detective Pichardo said. The person will likely appear out of place and avoid eye contact.
Persons who catch someone in the act of breaking into a car or home should contact police immediately at 911, Detective Pichardo said. They should not confront the subject.
?You never know what people will do when approached,? Detective Pichardo said. ?I would recommend you avoid confrontation.?
?Be aware of who?s out and about,? Detective Lynn said. ?And definitely give us a call. If you see somebody that?s in your area that looks suspicious, definitely give us a call.?
From March 1 to June 17, Sweet Home police had received 27 reports of second-degree burglary and 31 reports of unauthorized entry into a motor vehicle.