CRIME ALERT: Protecting Your Home and Stuff

VALLEY BURGLARIES

The LAPD reports recent occurrences of suspicious individuals going door-to-door introducing themselves as security camera installers or a home remodeling company.

Topanga Division Officers have responded to a call of two “burglary suspects,” and have subsequently detained two individuals in the Woodland Hills area. A van was later located, with the “crew chief” who stated that he and the other men work for a remodeling company and were doing door-to-door appointments. Many of these individuals were identified as being on parole or probation.

While it is not a crime for a company to hire persons with a criminal record, there have been past incidents where criminals have posed as legitimate workers while going door-to-door in neighborhoods looking for potential homes to burglarize or commit other crimes.

Such incidents in the Woodland Hills, West Hills, Canoga Park and Winnetka neighborhoods should also alert Topanga residents to be vigilant of the happenings in their neighborhood.

A rule of thumb is that if you observe any activity that you believe to be suspicious, do not hesitate to call 911. Because Topanga is under the jurisdiction of the Lost Hills Sheriffs Department, they will investigate the matter and determine whether or not the suspicious activity is criminal.

Partner to prevent crime by contacting your local sheriff's station with information about possible criminal activity at (818) 878-1808. If you wish to remain anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers,” (800 222-TIPS (8477); texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637); or visit http://lacrimestoppers.org.

KEEP YOUR HOME AND STUFF SAFE FROM BURGLARS

Protect yourself and make your home a less likely target to burglary by following these guidelines below.

WHILE ON VACATION

• Ask a family member or friend or hire a house sitter to live in your home

• Ask neighbors to help with your trash bins and newspaper.

• Install an approved and monitored residential alarm system.

• Park a neighbor’s car in your driveway.

• Use timers on indoor lights to give the impression you are home.

• Have merchandise delivered to a neighbor’s house.

• Request Vacation Home Checks from your local Sheriff's or Police Station:

http://shq.lasdnews.net/content/uoa/SHQ/SHQ-DP-Sheriff'sVolunteerson.aspx

BRIGHT IDEAS

• Install lights by all exterior doors. Use lights at night.

• Install outside light fixtures where bulbs are hard to reach.

• Illuminate house numbers for quick emergency services response.

DOORS AND WINDOWS

* Install good quality dead-bolts on your doors and USE THEM.

• Change the locks when moving into a new residence.

• Always lock your doors and windows.

• Give your trusted neighbor / family member the spare key – Don’t hide it outside.

• Use solid core or metal exterior doors.

• Use dead bolt door locks on exterior doors and double cylinder dead bolt locks if glass is within 3 feet of the lock.

• Add auxiliary track-type locks, removable drop bars, wooden dowels, or pinning devices to windows and sliding glass doors.

• Upgrade locks to defeat bump keying.

• Install peepholes on doors with 160 degree views so you don't have to open to door to see outside.

• Use a locking mailbox.

• Never leave notes for anyone on the door.

• Keep your valuable personal information in a safe deposit box.

• Complete Operation ID and display the window stickers: http://www.opid.org/

LANDSCAPING

• Trim tree branches 7 feet off the ground.

• Prune shrubs to under 3 feet from the ground.

• Use motion sensors and photocells on exterior floodlights.

• Trim shrubs back from doors and windows. Don’t give burglars places to hide while they are breaking in.

DEALING WITH STRANGERS

• Never let strangers enter your home.

• Verify workers by identification cards and calling their employer.

• Never give keys to workers.

VEHICLE SMARTS

• Close the garage door and cover windows so no one can see inside.

• Hide the garage door opener from open view in your car.

MAKE SAFETY A HABIT

• Lock your home at all times.

• Join your local Neighborhood Watch, or create one - contact your local Sheriff's or Police Station:

• http://www.ncpc.org/topics/home-and-neighborhood-safety/neighborhood-watch

• For emergencies, call 911