Despite the overall decline in residential burglaries, there has been an uptick in recent days, and the Altadena Sheriff's Station has passed on these helpful hints:
In the past three days Altadena has seen an increase in Residential Burglaries. The most recent burglaries have been occurring in the late afternoon early evening hours. It appears that the suspects are watching the houses prior to breaking in. In at least two of the burglaries the homes were equipped with audible alarms. The suspects did not take any items from the homes.
We ask the residents of Altadena to stay diligent. Please pay attention to your surroundings. Below is a bulletin released by the Pasadena Police Department with some helpful tips.
CRIME ALERT- HELPFUL HINTS RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES
Keep a watchful eye on your home and your neighbors!
Call the Altadena Sheriff’s Station (626-798-1131) and report any suspicious activities.
- Vehicles parked in or around your or your neighbor’s driveway.
- Vehicles parked in the front of your or your neighbor’s house, with someone unfamiliar to the area sitting inside the vehicle.
- Unfamiliar people walking or driving by and looking at homes in the area frequently
- Unfamiliar people walking down driveways who you do not recognize as a resident
- Unfamiliar people looking into the windows of a home or over fences and into the rear yard
- Unfamiliar people jumping fences or running through yards
- The sound of unusual noises such as banging, crashing or glass breaking
- Subjects knocking on doors and asking for someone who does not live there. This subject could be scouting to see if someone is not home.
If you think you are witnessing a residential burglary or other crime you can help by immediately calling 911 and do the following:
- Provide the location and describe what you see
- Give a detailed description of the subject and/or the vehicle and their current or last known location
- If the subject is leaving, give the direction of travel and means; e.g. bicycle, vehicle, on foot, etc.
Helpful tips:
- Always lock and secure all windows and doors
- Activate your alarm system if installed
- Do not leave valuable items such as jewelry, computers, and small electronic devices in plain sight of the exterior windows
- Try and make your home look occupied by leaving a light and a radio on. Setting your lights on timers is a good idea, especially when you are away for extended period of time.
- If you are going to be away from your home for an extended period of time, have a family member or a trustworthy friend or neighbor, to pick up mail and newspapers.
If you have any questions please feel free to call or email Lt. Joseph Dempsey.
626-798-1131
