Redmond Safety Alerts by Jim Bove, RPD: Residential burglaries are up.

Residential burglaries are up:

From January 1 – March 27 there have been 42 residential burglaries in Redmond. The previous 3-year year-to-date average is 21. The majority of the current burglaries have occurred in the Education Hill (20) and Grasslawn (14) districts. Just over half of these occurred during the daytime, 6 occurred overnight, with the rest unable to be determined (for instance if someone was on vacation). The usual items were targeted including computers/laptops, jewelry, small electronics (iPods, video games, cell phones, cameras), credit/debit/gift cards, televisions, guns, etc. They are normally knocking on doors before breaking in and some have a “lookout” who is outside on a cell phone.

 

The most common method of entry was:

• Unlocked (no signs of forced entry) windows and doors – 14

• Window and sliding glass door smashes – 9

• Door forced/kicked open – 5

• Window pried open – 4

• Open garage door – 3

 

Especially with school breaks, vacations, and warm weather (hopefully) on its way, we cannot reiterate enough to lock your windows and doors, especially when you aren’t home—2^nd and 3^rd floors, too (especially if you have a ladder outside). Three great ways to combat this besides some common sense:  Read More >>
 

1.    CPTED – Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design – many of the places burglarized fall into this category; many have high trees/bushes/fences that hide the burglars from doing their thing. Find out more here: www.redmond.gov/PublicSafety/Police/tips/CPTED
2.    There are several things (including CPTED) that can be done to improve your home/business safety, but one thing to point out is the security film that can be put on windows making it very difficult for someone to break in (yet easy to kick out from the indoors if there is a fire). Follow this link and then click on the beautifully designed and well written piece called “Be Safe” Brochure (page 7 has info on windows, page 9 has info on locks): http://www.redmond.gov/PublicSafety/Police/tips/NeighborhoodWatch
3.    Neighborhood Watch - if you don’t already have one, it immediately multiplies the number of eyes looking out for your home or business safety. Get more info from the above link as well. Get out, meet your neighbors (businesses and residents), know who they are, know who belongs around your property and who doesn’t belong.