Columbia Police Department wants you to prevent home burglaries

January, 2011
Homes are targets for burglaries whether you are at home or away. Home burglaries can be prevented if you take the necessary precautions to prevent from being victimized. Most burglars are looking for homes that are easy targets. The type of homes that are quickly entered and where burglars can work undetected.

Please plan ahead so your home will not be an easy target. Some simple suggestions to improve your home security:
  • Lock all locks on windows and doors.
  • Secure your garage door. It is important to remember to close garage doors when you're home or even in the back yard.
  • Put one or two lights, in different parts of the house, on automatic timers.
  • Stop deliveries of newspapers, mail or other items that might pile up on your doorstep or porch.
  • Arrange draperies, blinds, shades, etc. as if you are home. Don't close them all.
  • Don't leave notes on the door saying you are gone.
  • If you have an answering machine, don't leave a message saying you are out-of-town nor give the length of time you will be gone.
  • Valuables such as jewelry, old coins, and money should be place in a safe or hidden from sight. Don't leave money lying around the home.
  • Let your neighbors know you will be gone and for how long so they can keep an eye out for strange happenings. A house sitter is another way to fool burglars. This is an especially good Idea if you live in a rural, remote or secluded area. A house sitter can be a friend or neighbor.
  • A house sitter can: pick up mail, and other things left at the door; mow or rake the lawn; check the automatic timer on the lights are working and the light bulbs have not burnt out; park a car in the driveway; and check the house for any other problems that might occur such as a freezer breaking down, storm damage, broken pipes, etc.
It only takes a few extra moments to secure your home when you're in the house or back yard, before you take off on a trip or extended stay away from home. Make sure your home isn't an "easy target" for unwanted visitors. You will leave and return home feeling much better if your home is secured.

The Columbia Police Department encourages neighbors to report any suspicious activity immediately to police. Chief Scott also encourages residents who wish to schedule a burglary assessment to contact the Columbia Police Department's Crime
Prevention Unit at 803-545-3555. For more information or for more crime prevention tips visit the Columbia Police Department's website at www.Columbia.net.

To report a crime call:
Dispatch @ 252-2911
Police Headquarters Telephone Response Unit @ 545-3500
Emergency immediately call 911

Thank you,
Sergeant E. J. Morgan - S. Region Interim Executive Officer
Columbia Police
803-545-3500    EJMorgan@columbiasc.net