Prevent Burglaries, Thefts From Cars by Taking Some Simple Steps

Most of the petty crimes that occur in Lakewood are avoidable. The Lakewood Police Department is reminding residents to keep doors locked and keep valuable items out of sight.

“There are a few simple steps that residents can take that make a world of difference,” said Lt. Roger Warner. “Most criminals are opportunists. A little crime prevention and common sense can really go a long way.”

Burglary Prevention

• 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.
• 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 to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail or arrange for a friend or neighbor to get them regularly.
• Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
• 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, blowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight.
• Always lock your garden sheds and garages.
• Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
• 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.
• When moving into a new home, have all locks changed.

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.

Most thefts from cars are from unlocked vehicles.

• Don’t make your car an easy target by leaving your car doors unlocked.
• Always lock your doors.
• Don’t forget to close windows and sunroofs.
• Park in a well-lit parking area.
• Spare car keys should not be stored in or on your car; thieves know where to look.
• Consider installing a car alarm or security device on your vehicle.
• Don’t leave possessions on the passenger seat.
• Never hide expensive possessions under the seats, as this is the first place burglars check for stored items.
• Never attempt to cover valuable items left on the seat or floorboard of your car; blankets and articles of clothing present a hidden clue to thieves that items may be underneath.
• Do not leave any important documents in your car that contain your personal information.
• Place any property in the trunk before you get to your next destination.

If you would like a home security survey completed at your home. Please contact Ptl. Ted Morley at 216-701-7572 to schedule an appointment.

Anyone interested in joining or starting a block club is encouraged to call Colin McEwen, the city’s block club coordinator and public information officer, at 216-529-6602.