The Eureka Police Department has seen an increase in residential burglary reports during the month of November, primarily in the Henderson Center area. Below are some of the trends we’ve seen. Residents should be aware and use extra precaution when leaving their homes.
Of 24 residential burglaries this month, 16 occurred between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. while residents were at work. Half of the burglaries happened on Mondays and Tuesdays. Entry was most commonly made through a rear or side door or window. In one report, entry was made through a large dog door. Other common entry points were through garages, basement windows, and the front door.
In many of the reports, the whole house appeared to have been ransacked. Commonly stolen items were electronics, cash, jewelry, tools, and other easy to transport items. If suspects were seen in the area, they were most commonly described as up to two males wearing dark clothing. In several of the cases the suspects were described as juveniles.
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring in their neighborhoods that may be related. Anyone with information regarding the possible identity of the suspect(s) responsible for these burglaries is asked to call the Eureka Police Department at 441-4044.
The following are some precautions that homeowners can take to reduce their risk of burglary:
Keep all doors and windows locked when away.
Invest in an alarm system/surveillance cameras.
Secure sliding glass doors by placing a broomstick, metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
Keep garage doors closed and locked. Also keep doors that lead to interior of residence secured.
Get to know your neighbors and keep an eye out for each other.
Occasionally come home on lunch breaks.
Create the illusion you are home by using timers on lights, radios, and televisions. Make your residence appear occupied even when no one is home.
Keep the perimeter of your residence well-lit and trim any shrubs so they do not provide concealment for would-be-burglars.
Never leave a message on your answering machine telling people you are away from home.
Do not post on social media that you are out of town.
Do not leave clues that you are away on a trip.
Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate.
Re-key the locks when you move into a new house or apartment.
Do not hide keys where burglars can find them.
Consider leaving your spare key with a trusted neighbor instead.
Report any suspicious activity/persons in your neighborhood to law enforcement immediately.
Join a neighborhood watch and/or use Nextdoor.com to communicate with your neighbors.
More information can be found here: http://www.popcenter.org/problems/burglary_home/3
Coincidence that the high predominance of title 8, endowment housing is just a little away? Human thievery is inevitable.
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