KALAMAZOO -
Officials in Kalamazoo say they've seen a significant decline in violent crime as of late; but now they're being forced to turn their attention to a growing problem: Burglaries
Police say they've seen a spike in residential burglaries. Numbers are up nearly 30% from this time last year.
A majority of the reported crimes are happening in the evening/early morning hours. Police say suspects are getting into homes through open windows, unlocked doors, and sometimes forcing doors open to gain entry.
Kalamazoo Public Safety says they've increased foot and undercover patrols to help combat the problem, but are encouraging residents to take some preventative measures to reduce their chances of being targeted:
· Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
· Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors and windows.
· Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
· Keep your garage door closed and locked.
· Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
· Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
· Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
· Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
· Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
· Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
· Most importantly, report suspicious persons to the police. We are only as effective as the community in which we serve. Call 337-8994 to report any suspicious activity or 911 in case you see an actual crime occurring.
Officials in Kalamazoo say they've seen a significant decline in violent crime as of late; but now they're being forced to turn their attention to a growing problem: Burglaries
Police say they've seen a spike in residential burglaries. Numbers are up nearly 30% from this time last year.
A majority of the reported crimes are happening in the evening/early morning hours. Police say suspects are getting into homes through open windows, unlocked doors, and sometimes forcing doors open to gain entry.
Kalamazoo Public Safety says they've increased foot and undercover patrols to help combat the problem, but are encouraging residents to take some preventative measures to reduce their chances of being targeted:
· Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
· Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors and windows.
· Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
· Keep your garage door closed and locked.
· Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
· Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
· Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
· Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
· Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
· Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
· Most importantly, report suspicious persons to the police. We are only as effective as the community in which we serve. Call 337-8994 to report any suspicious activity or 911 in case you see an actual crime occurring.
