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Increase of Home Burglaries

11/24/2015

 

To: Citizens of Hempstead County;

 

The Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office has seen an increase of reported daytime home

Burglaries and thefts over the past several weeks. Items taken such as jewelry, medication, and

Guns seem to be the target of the thieves.

 

As the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays near please be mindful and take extra precautions

As you leave your home to travel.

 

If you are going to be away from your home during these times or any other time please call the

Hempstead County Sheriff’s Office at 870-777-6727 and leave your name, address, and contact number so we

Can have deputies on patrol be aware that you are away from your home.

 

Here are a few tips that should make your Holiday’s more worry free.

 

Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.

Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.

Keep your garage door closed and locked.

Don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.

Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.

Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.

Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.

Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.

 

Don't Tempt a Thief:

 

Lawn mowers, barbecues, ATV’s and bicycles are best stored out of sight

 Always lock your garden sheds and garages.

Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”

Locks…Get the Best:

No lock, regardless of its quality, can be truly effective. Key-in dead bolt locks provide minimum security. Ask a locksmith for advice on your situation.

 Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.

Targeting the Outside:

Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.

Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

 Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.

 

 

If Your Home Is Broken Into:

If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door:

Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside.

Use your Cell Phone or neighbor's phone to call police.

 Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.

Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.

Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.

 

Other precautions you should take:

 

Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places -- burglars know where to look for hidden keys.

Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home — this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.

Trim your shrubbery around your home to reduce cover for burglars.

Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Mark your valuables with your driver's license number with an engraver. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.

 

Car Burglaries

 

Tips on how to avoid car break-ins:

 Do not leave valuables in plain view:

 (GPS devices, lap tops, PDA’s, cell phones, MP3’s, wallets, purses)

 Do not leave windows or sunroof open.

 Do not leave doors unlocked.

 Do not leave keys in the vehicle.

 Do not leave the garage door opener in plain view.

 Do not leave out items with personal information.

Do not move valuable items to the trunk while in public view.

Slow Down and use common sense before you leave your car.

  

Have a Safe Thanksgiving and Christmas Season

Sheriff James Singleton

Hempstead County