Our mid-town neighborhoods are experiencing a rash of residential burglaries. The suspects have forced open rear doors and/or windows. The burglaries have occurred during the day time hours. We need you to do your part to help protect your home. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
• DOORS are the primary method of entry for burglars, install a dead bolt and use it.
• WINDOWS are the second most common method used; make sure they are properly secured.
• EXTERIOR LIGHTING should be utilized. Sensor-activated lighting can alert you of someone on your property.
• LANDSCAPE should be trimmed and cut away from windows. This will reduce concealment opportunities.
• ALARM consider an alarm system that is monitored.
• BE VIGILANT. Report suspicious non-emergency activity to 510/337-8820. In the event of an emergency call 911.
Locking your door and using a deadbolt may not be enough to properly secure your home.
Intruders in some recent residential burglaries have gained access to homes by kicking in the back door, which splinters the door and/or the door frame. Consider installing hardwood or metal doors on all the entrances to your home, including the interior garage door. Doors are only as effective as the frames they are mounted in. Door frames should be made of solid wood or metal.
Install a high-quality deadbolt made of case-hardened steel. A good deadbolt extends one or more inches into the door frame, and uses a metal strike plate installed with screws at least 3 inches in length, and not accessible from the outside of the door. Check your current deadbolts and if necessary, replace them, or replace short screws with longer ones. Devices such as "The Door Club" are also available to make forced entry much more difficult.
Sliding glass doors should also be reinforced. A long piece of wood, such as a broom handle, can be placed in the inside track to prevent the door from opening from the outside. If the slide track is on the outside, consider installing a slide bolt along the bottom inside track.
Suspicious Persons or Activities
What is suspicious activity? Generally, if you trust your instincts, they’ll tell you what is suspicious about someone’s actions. Below, we’ve listed some types of behavior commonly associated with criminal activity to help “educate your instincts.”
• Any person going door-to door in a residential neighborhood. A person is especially suspicious if, after a few houses visited, one or more of them goes into a back or side yard. More suspicious if another remains in the front when this occurs. (Possible lookout for a burglary in progress inside)
• Waiting in front of a house or business. Particularly suspicious if owners are absent or business establishment is closed. (Possible burglary, theft, or trespass in progress)
• Non-Resident going into back or side yard of house. Suspicious under almost any circumstances. (Possible burglary or trespass in progress)
• Exhibiting unusual behavior, it can possibly be due to an injury or the individual may be under the influence of drugs, or alcohol.
• Carrying property, depending upon the circumstance. For example, if it is at an unusual hour or in an unusual place, and if the property is not wrapped, as if it had just been purchased. (Possible subject leaving the scene of a burglary, robbery or theft)
• Remember, if something doesn't "feel right" or if it "gives you a funny feeling"- make a detailed note of the person/vehicle and call it in to our non-emergency number 510/337-8820.
We are working to provide additional residential burglary prevention tips in the coming days. In combination with efforts from patrol officers, our goal is to reduce residential burglaries. Your assistance in securing your home and reporting suspicious activity to the Alameda Police Department is a crucial part of this endeavor.
