Local Law Enforcement Offers Burglary Prevention Tips in Wake of Jump in Break-Ins

After Pasadena Now reported that Pasadena is experiencing a rising number of home burglaries in an article on January 4, 2016, we received a number of requests from residents for information on what they can do to prevent becoming victims. Here, staff writer Brandon Villalovos reports on advice he gathered from local law enforcement.

 

Fancy alarm systems and surveillance cameras may be the bells and whistles you want to keep your home safe and burglars out, but local law enforcement also recommends something much simpler and more cost effective — your neighbors.

“The most common way in which burglaries in progress get interrupted and criminals get taken into custody is because you have neighbors who are looking out for each other. That really is the best way,” said Lt. Tracey Ibarra of the Pasadena Police Department.

“I know our lives are super hectic and very busy,” Ibarra added, “but a fifteen minute conversation could be the difference of a neighbor keeping an eye on your property and not.”

Home burglaries are on the rise, according to the Pasadena Police Department, and simple precautions can be made to ensure your family is not the next target during a time of year that is historically prone to these types of crimes.

“The number one thing is to start neighborhood watch groups. They work because it really encourages people to keep an eye out for their neighbors where there may only be a handful of officers in a certain area. We don’t always know who belongs where—neighbors know that information. It’s far more valuable,” said Deputy Dan Paige of the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Altadena Station.

Paige mentioned how interacting with neighbors is easier than ever before.

“Now with the advent of the internet, neighbors are putting out mailing groups asking questions and giving out information. That’s one way we see neighborhood watch groups being conducted,” explained Paige, who said that most burglaries tend to occur during daytime hours.

Step two in the equation of deterring burglars from your property is to make your home difficult enough to break into to deter would-be burglars.

Don’t leave any windows open or unlocked when you leave your house or retire for the night.

“Some people think that leaving windows and doors open on the second floor makes it safe — it does not. Usually there is something in the yard like a ladder or something they can stack up and they can climb up to a balcony or a window and be on their way. Those are definitely common points of entry,” said Ibarra.

Surveillance cameras are a great option if you are able to outfit your home with them, Ibarra explained, but there is a valuable tip users should know.

“The places we recommend them most are in the office and the master bedroom, because those are the places most commonly where people have valuables that are most likely to be taken,” said Ibarra.

Paige recommended to avoid keeping valuables in one area of your home.

“Vary where you put your valuable items,” Paige said. “Burglars are usually inside for just a few moments so anything you can do to make it harder for them to locate items the better.”

Another recommendation? Safes that are bolted to the floor.

“We get lots of calls about stolen safes, and that can be easily avoided,” said Paige.

Security alarm systems are useful in thwarting burglars if used correctly. According to Ibarra, users can benefit by programming the police department as the primary recipient in the event that the alarm becomes activated.

“Upgrade your security alarm system so that the police department becomes the first or second line of notification, so that we can get a timely response,” said Ibarra.

Residents can always report incidents or suspicious persons to the Pasadena Police Department by calling (626) 744-4241, or 911 for emergency response.

If you’re interested in starting a neighborhood watch group in Pasadena, call (626) 744-4551.