July 22, 2010

Contact: Greg Daly
970-748-4049
gdaly@avon.org

As Temperatures Rise So do Burglaries

Avon, CO --Crime trends show that when the weather heats up, so to do residential burglaries, vehicle break-ins and thefts. With the warmer weather, homeowners are more likely to forget to secure their garage doors and windows at night or when they leave.

The Avon Police Department is asking residents to help discourage burglars. Take a few minutes before leaving home or going to bed to verify that all doors and windows are closed or secured. In addition, lock all doors to your vehicles and secure your valuables safely in your house instead your vehicle.

An open garage door or unlocked side door is an invitation for a burglar to help themselves to what is inside. Frequently burglars rummage through vehicles and steal sports equipment, bicycles or other valuables. Some burglars are brazen enough to actually go into a home at night through an unlocked entry door in the garage or through unsecured windows while people are sleeping inside.

Exterior lighting is also a deterrent to nighttime crime. Studies have shown that dark homes are at far greater risk of victimization than homes with exterior lighting. Criminals like dark homes for a reason, the neighbors and passing vehicles can’t see them sneak around.

The Avon Police Department is “Making a Difference” in our neighborhood, and we are asking that you too make that difference. Your assistance is needed by keeping an eye out for potential targets in your neighborhood and by contacting the police immediately if you see suspicious people or incidents in your community.