Increase in Garage Burglaries
A message from your 5th Precinct Crime Prevention Specialists.
In the past two weeks, we have noticed an increase in burglaries to garages in the 5th Precinct. In many cases, access was made through a garage service door. In some cases, a garage opener was stolen from a car parked outside, and then used to open the garage door. Typically, bikes, tools, and/or lawn equipment were reported stolen.
What you can do:
Always keep your garage locked and take additional steps to further secure valuable items inside your garage. Consider storing expensive bikes inside your home or locking them to a stationary object in your garage.
If you park your car outside, lock your doors and do not leave your garage remote inside your car. Carry it in with you or secure it inside your home.
Having all exterior doors be solid core (wood or steel) with a deadbolt, at least a 6-inch strike plate, and 3-inch screws going into the frame, make it harder for the door to be pried open or kicked in.
Alert your neighbors and block club members to this increase in burglaries and be sure to watch out for one another.
Call 911 to report criminal activity such as, individuals walking down the alley looking into parked cars, trying to open car doors, looking into garage windows, or lurking near service doors.
Record all serial numbers of equipment such as bikes and tools and any guns you might have. If an item does NOT have a serial number, etch, or mark your items with your name or other identifying marker and take a picture of the item. Having this information in case you are the victim of a burglary may greatly help in getting the item returned or tracking potential suspects.
Increase lighting in the alley and around your home. Motion lights are helpful. Cameras can also be helpful in the investigation process.
To Protect With Courage
To Serve With Compassion
