Wednesday, 18th June 2014 11:44:00 AM
Summer is almost here and the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force is advising that people need to be aware of the increased risk of home burglaries. Whether it is from an increase of young people out and about during the day or people going on vacation people need to be aware and stay proactive.
-
When going on vacation have your deliveries stopped or have a trusted friend or neighbor pick it up.
-
Have that friend or neighbor turn on a different light each night and leave a radio or TV on. This also works for people who work during the day. Create the feeling that someone is home.
-
If you trust your neighbors let them know how long you will be gone and whether or not anyone should be at your house. Ask them to call the police if they see a vehicle in the driveway or people walking around the house.
-
When purchasing expensive items do not place the box at the curb. Either recycle the box or cut it up and place it in your garbage can. Do not advertise what is in your house.
-
Install motion lights in the front and back of the house.
-
If someone knocks on your door look at him or her through the peephole. If you do not recognize them talk to them from behind the door. By opening the door you are showing them the locks on the door, the presence or absence of pets and what items you have in the house.
-
Lock all doors and windows during the night and day. Every year several burglaries are reported that occurred while the occupants were in the house. Place rods in the tracks of sliding glass doors.
-
Look out for your neighbors. If you see someone walking around a house and knocking on the doors and windows there is a good chance they are testing to see if someone is home. Continue to watch them and if necessary call the police and remain on the line so you can provide a description and location.
-
Add an alarm.
-
Close blinds and drapes so people are not able to look inside and see if anyone is home.
-
Do not put vacation plans on social media or post about your vacation while you are currently on it. Also, be careful about posting that you are currently at an event or business. This is just telling people you are not home.
-
Call in suspicious behavior or things that do not seem right. Often after a home burglary people in the area will describe seeing people walking down the street carrying electronics (including large flat screen TVs). The main reason people do not call in is because they do not want to get involved.
If a burglary is in progress you can call 911 and ask to remain anonymous. If you have suspect information after a burglary you can call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIPS (8477) and always remain anonymous. All calls are answered by Miami Dade Police and no one from the RTCIPF will know who called. Only the information received will be provided to the RTCIPF. We remind people they should not report crime information via our Facebook and Twitter pages.