The CV Sheriff’s Station has issued tips to keep residents and property safe especially over the summer months.

According to the sheriffs, property crime is currently the most prevalent crime within foothill neighborhoods with residential and vehicle burglaries being the two most common types of crime occurring locally. Most burglaries are committed by drug addicts desperate to support their habit. The items they steal are sold quickly, sometimes within an hour of the burglary. Crooks typically get a return of only 10 cents on the dollar, making it is necessary for a burglar to break into several homes every day to support their drug habit.

Once the burglar has succeeded in entering a home, they don’t want to stay there long. Most burglars try to grab small items that will fetch them money easily and quickly. Typical items that burglars target are jewelry, small sized electronics, credit cards, check books, cash/coins, video games and guns. Currently, gold prices are at an all-time high and any jewelry and/or electronics containing any amount of gold have recently been a highly desirable target for burglars.

In order to decrease chances of becoming a victim of burglary, residents are advised to keep all doors and windows locked. If the home has a security alarm system, be sure to keep it activated, even if leaving for only a short time. Additionally, secure valuables in a safe place.

Thefts from vehicles occur during all hours, day or night. Auto burglaries involve smashed windows or other forcible means to gain entry into locked vehicles. Many auto burglaries are “crimes of opportunity;” they could have been avoided had simple preventative steps been taken.

If valuables must be left in the car, keep them out of plain sight. Commonly taken items are GPS systems, money, jewelry, cameras, iPods, cellphones, CD/DVDs, satellite radios, electronic games, computers and sunglasses.

Auto burglary prevention, like all crime prevention, involves limiting the criminal’s ability and/or opportunity to commit the crime.

In addition to securing valuables, report all suspicious person(s) or activities to the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station; 4554 N. Briggs Ave. La Crescenta or call the station at (818) 248-3464.

In an emergency, dial 911.

  burglaries, SAFETY TIPS