Over the last two weekends, six residences in the Ridgevale, Eaglewood, Basinview and Rockingham subdivisions have been entered late at night or early in the morning while the residents have been at home sleeping.
The thieves have been entering the residences through unlocked doors or by removing the screen on open windows, and stealing purses, wallets and electronics, such as laptops and cameras.
While it is tempting to leave windows and doors open in homes during the hot and humid weather, citizens are reminded to lock their doors and windows and secure their homes to prevent these crimes of opportunity from occurring.Citizens are also asked to contact police immediately if they see anyone acting suspiciously in their neighbourhood.
Additionally, police offer citizens the following safety tips to protect their property:
– keep doors locked even when at home, and especially if out in the backyard.
– ensure doors and windows, especially those on the lower levels of the home, are closed and locked when going to bed for the night.
– keep vehicles, garages and sheds locked.
– keep valuables out of sight.
– take steps to make your home appear occupied when away on vacation by having mail and newspapers collected, arranging to have grass cut, ensuring property is well lit, leaving interior lights on or putting them on timers, and asking a trusted neighbour to keep an eye on your property.