Burglaries Increase over Three-month Period, Say Fridley Police

The number of residential burglaries from Nov. 15–Feb. 15 increased by five compared to the same period a year ago, according to a statement released by the Fridley Police Department.

The city saw 27 burglaries in the three-month period that just ended; a year ago the figure was 25.

Of the recent break-ins, police arrested suspects in eight cases—two arrests while the alleged burglaries were taking place. Pawning of items taken has resulted in investigative leads in three other cases, and police caught one suspect using stolen credit cards.

The most common method of entry was "a hard kick to the door," police said, and most burglaries occurred during daytime hours when no one is home.

Why do burglars strike where they do? According to Fridley police:

"While residential burglary may seem random, there is a simple selection process. Targeted homes tend to be those where the burglars don’t believe anyone is home, with easy or concealed access. Once inside burglars look for expensive items that are easily traded or pawned for cash. Favorite items include cash, jewelry, televisions, laptop computers, DVD and Blue Ray players, video game consoles, guns and small electronic devices."

Here are steps police urge residents to take to prevent burglaries:

• trim shrubs near doors and windows
• use motion sensors or photocells on exterior lights
• harden points of entry with metal or solid core doors, reinforced strike plates and dead-bolt locks
• pin windows and sliding doors
• install an alarm system

Calling 9-1-1 when you see suspicious persons or activities helps stop burglaries too.

When items are stolen from homes, police have a better chance of finding the property or developing leads if residents have documented their possessions—logging serial numbers on electronics, for example, or photographing items such as jewelry. 

For more information on preventing burglaries, or to find forms to inventory property, visit the Fridley Police Department website.

"Fridley Police consider burglary a priority; it is a focus of officers patrolling neighborhoods and detectives following up leads," said the statement.