One of the keys to recovering your property is to maintain a log of your items. The only thing that differentiates your laptop or Play Station console from thousands of other items is usually a serial number. When property is recovered, those serial numbers are entered into a searchable database, and when a match is found, you’re one step closer to recovering your property!
Protect Your Home from Burglary
Please use the following tips for locking and securing your home.
- Never leave your home unlocked even if you are just going to the neighbors. An open or unlocked door is an invitation to steal.
- Keep your keys with you at all times; hiding a key under the front door mat is not a good idea. Keep accountability of all spare or duplicate keys to your home.
- Never lend your keys to anyone.
- Leave valuable jewelry, especially those items with sentimental or heirloom value, in a safe deposit box.
- If something is stolen or missing, report it right away.
Protect Your Vehicle from Burglary
Vehicle burglary is a crime statistic that continues to be a problem for our communities in Pottawatomie County. Most of the time it’s due to people leaving valuables in their car and/or leaving their car unlocked. Follow these tips to safeguard your vehicle:
- ALWAYS lock all the doors and secure all the windows to your vehicle. An open or unlocked door is an invitation to a criminal and makes you an easy target. Vehicle burglars do not discriminate – they will target any type of vehicle, in any neighborhood, at any time.
- Activate alarm systems if available.
- Remove all valuable items (GPS systems, firearms, laptops, purses, wallets, money, etc.) from the vehicle when the vehicle is left unattended. Simply “hiding” them in the glove box or under the seat does not work.
- Do not leave keys, garage door openers or paperwork with identifying information in the vehicle.
- Try to always park your vehicle in the garage if your home has a garage. If this is not possible, then purchase a light that will completely light up your driveway. If you are renting or live in an apartment complex, be sure to follow above-listed tips for maximum security of your vehicle.
- Don’t hesitate to call 911 to report suspicious persons seen wandering around in parking lots/neighborhoods who are looking into cars as they walk by. Police officers cannot be everywhere, so we count on citizens to be our “eyes” and “ears” and report these types of suspicious activities.
- Be watchful and alert – make a note of vehicles or individuals that you do not normally see in your neighborhood.
- If possible, install security cameras around the perimeter of your home or in your driveway. Video footage has proven to be extremely helpful to law enforcement in solving vehicle burglary cases as well as other types of crimes.
Record the make, model, and serial number of all your commonly used electronic equipment. Having this information available is necessary in order to enter the items into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) computer database. This will aid police in trying to locate the items if the offender(s) are found with them or if they are pawned. This will also ensure the property is returned to the rightful owner.