How to Prevent Another Port Washington Burglary

Burglaries have been a common occurrence in Port Washington in the last six months, but police are looking to put a stop to these crimes once and for all.

The Port Washington Police Department has reported 13 burglaries, including one commercial and 12 residential.

According to police, thieves usually enter through the rear of the house– through a window or a sliding door— and force is almost always used.

Port Washington Police Chief James Salerno offers 12 tips to prevent burglaries from happening to you:

• A dark house is an unoccupied house. A house with no light on at dinner time tells burglars that you are not at home.
• Do not leave all your valuables in your bedroom. Burglars always check bedrooms first
• Keep shrubbery trimmed. Thick, tall shrubbery provides cover for a burglar to work undetected.
• If you have an alarm system, put up signs that say you do. Do not use signs that hint at what type of equipment you system uses. Have your alarm serviced by a reputable technician.
• Use your alarm.
• Make sure the exterior of your house is well-lit. Exterior lights are important -- especially near doors or in the rear of the house, where burglars do most of their work.
• Close and lock your windows. Most burglars won’t attempt to break a secured window for fear of attracting attention.
• Secure any sliding doors. Make sure the lock is in working order. A steel rod in the door channel is helpful. For additional security, install two or three screws in the overhead track to reduce the chance of the door being lifted out of the track
• Make an itemized list of everything you own. Include brand name, model number, serial number, where and when purchased, and the items’ purchase price or estimated value. Attach receipts if you have them. Take photographs or videotape everything, and keep them in a safe place.
• If you are going away, ask a trusted neighbor to pick up all mail, newspapers and deliveries daily. Do not allow these items to accumulate. Ask this same neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone.
• Don’t let empty garbage pails sit curbside after trash collection days.
• Offer to help a neighbor with any of the above. Be a good neighbor. Watch out for each other.

Police encourage residents to call 9-1-1 to report any suspicious activity:

If you see something – Say Something. If you hear something – Say Something. Don’t wait, call 911. If you are unsure about whether to call, I encourage you to call 911.

Image via Shutterstock

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