River Trails Homeowners Association

I too walk  & will be keeping a lookout.  I would like to know- how are these people entering the homes-are they going around the back , breaking windows, back doors, front doors, side windows ?   Also why haven't the police been more visible.  I did see more patrol cars 2-3 weeks ago but none lately.  Thanks

An recent trend suggest that the criminals are knocking on the door.  If noone answers, they either kick the door in or pry the door open with a crow bar. A few have been reported breaking a window and some via the back door. 

They have a tendency to back into the drive way to make for a quicker getaway.  They tend to target houses that do not have vehicles in the driveway or parked out front.  They usually occur between the hours of 9 am - 11 am and 1 pm - 3pm.  Here lately a few have been reported around the noon hour.

There has been an increase in police visability however, our neighborhood violations have been less than many neighborhoods surrounding us.

Melissa McDougall

Thank you Melissa for all the information.   Do you have any suggestions on what to do if we are not home ?  Thank you .

Place locks on your side gates

 three inch screws in your door frames

a good quality glass storm door

lock both door knob and deadbolt when you leave

lock garage door between garage and entry to house

get to know who is home while you are away, have them keep an eye out

security system signs act as an additional detterent (Home monitoring service)

do not do things routinely such as leaving at same time and same direction, circle back every now and then. Be unpredictable to someone watching.

Cut back shrubs that block view of windows and doors they can hide behind to break in

There is a door jammer that prevents kicks ins.

Some people have computer surveilance they can monitor via internet

Cameras fake or real can be a detterent.

Don't display your goods. Such as offices set up in front room with visability of the computer from the street.

Increase perimeter lighting, motion detectors, etc.

 Basically, The harder the target, the less likely they will choose your home.

 This is a good question to ask the officers next Saturday as well at the Crime Prevention Classes.

 I hope this helps.

Melissa McDougall - River Trails VP & COP Captain