Carolyn Seitz, our conduit to the sheriff's department, sent us this:
In response to some residents who have expressed concerns about Trick or Treaters having a potential to case our homes in preparation for a return visit as a burglar, Captain Steve McLean offers the following thoughts:
- Most criminals know that lots of families will be out trick or treating and will leave family members at home to hand out treats. The risk is generally very low that criminals might use the opportunity to get an early peek into your residence to decide ahead of time what they'll take with them on a return burglary visit.
- The Sheriff's Department usually sees an increase in vandalism incidents on Halloween or in the days before Halloween. That may mean eggs being thrown, trash cans being overturned, or vandalism on vehicles
- He is recommending that you lock your vehicles and make sure you don't leave anything of value visible in your vehicle. He is also suggesting that vehicles parked on the street are much more likely be subject to vandalism, so park in your garage and if your garage won't accommodate your vehicle(s), park in your driveway if at all possible – and once again, be sure to lock your vehicle and don't leave anything valuable in it.
- A bigger issue around Halloween is the theft of Halloween decorations. It is quite common for yard decorations to be stolen, and of course, the bigger, more elaborate or more fun they are, the more likely they are to be stolen. Please keep an eye out for your own decorations and for your those in your neighbor's yard as well.
Because we have experienced another spike in burglaries this month, it is very important to stay vigilant. Captain McLean is reminding all of us to report suspicious activity. The majority of recent burglaries or attempted burglaries have occurred in the daytime.
If you have questions or concerns at any time, please feel free to let me know. If you have questions you'd like to have answered by Captain McLean or Lieutenant Joseph Dempsey, feel free to ask.
