COVID-19 Sparks Increase of Property Crimes in Pasadena, Police Issue Advice

As the Safer at Home order continues, the police are reminding local residents to remain vigilant regarding home security.

The Pasadena Police Department has seen an increase in property crimes over the past several weeks, including vehicle thefts, vehicle burglaries and thefts from homes.

“We want to get the message out to everybody that you must continue to practice safe protection and prevention of these opportunistic crimes,” said Lt. William Grisafe of the Pasadena Police Department.

“The main message,” Grisafe advises is, “lockup your personal items, don’t leave valuables in your vehicles. Don’t leave your garage door open, it just offers an opportunity for criminals to come in and take what does not belong to them. Do not give criminals that opportunity.”

Because of the COVID-19 virus and the current “Safe at Home” orders, Grisafe said it’s possible that people don’t think it will happen to them because they are home, when in fact it is happening.

“Either residents are leaving garage doors open during the night or they’re leaving personal items out,” Grisafe points out, “When somebody comes by and sees it, and there is nobody around, even if the residents are be home, but because it is out and available, the criminals are seizing the opportunity to take the items.”

The idea is simple, said Grisafe, just don’t leave things out. Lock doors, lock your car garages and make it appear as if people are at home.

Along with that advice, the PPD would like to remind community members of the following points.

• The advice that the PPD always gives, that If you see something, say something is real and it works, call the police when you see something that looks like crime or unusual activity.

• Make it a point to keep cars locked up and remove all personal items. Thieves are less likely to break into a car if the doors are locked and there is nothing visible to take.

• Instead, take your personal belongs inside the house and lock up valuables inside the house.

• Removing personal items from view or in plain sight (such as bicycles) is also a good rule at your home.

• Close garage doors — don’t leave them open, it invites thieves in.

• Make it appear as if someone is always home by maintaining your home’s landscape, pick up newspapers and bring in trash cans and take mail out of the box each day.

• Use timers so lights turn on and off…even if you aren’t home.

• Use your alarm system when you leave your home.