Boston Police Investigate Residential Thefts in South BostonOfficers Warn Vigilance and Offer Safety Tips
Boston Police are investigating an increase in residential thefts in South Boston. Between September 1, 2007 and February 29, 2008, there have been 120 burglaries reported compared to 71 from 2006-2007.
In the majority of these incidents, items such as jewelry, flat screen TVs and other electronic devices have been stolen.
District C-6 has contacted its partners in the community in an effort to address these crimes. Detectives and patrol officers have canvassed the affected area and are asking for the community’s help. In nearly half of the breaks no sign of forced entry was noted. The suspects are taking advantage of inadequate door locking devices and in some instances the doors were not locked.
The Boston Police is asking that the public contact 911 if they observe any suspicious vehicles or persons during the daylight hours.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Detectives at Area C-6 (South Boston) at 617-343-4742.
Community members who wish to remain anonymous should either call the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS (8477) or text the word TIP to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind residents to keep the following safety tips in mind.
IMPORTANT SAFETY TIPS
· Keep your doors locked at all times, especially when you are alone, sleeping, or the residence is unoccupied (even if only for a few moments).
· If you return home and something looks questionable (e.g. a slit screen, broken window, or open door) do not go inside. Call 911 from a safe location.
· Be sure you have blinds or curtains on your windows to discourage people from looking into your home. Always keep your windows covered at night and leave lights on in a few rooms.
· Keep an updated inventory of your valuables by writing down serial numbers and a description of each item. If possible, photographs or video should be taken of all valuables. Keep this information in a safe place.
· Place items of value out of sight and in locked areas. Do not leave valuables unattended in such common areas as living rooms and lounges.
· Be sure all outdoor lighting fixtures are in working condition. If they are not, ask your landlord to make immediate repairs.
· Turn outdoor lights on from dusk to dawn to make your property more visible. All entrances should be well lit.
· Trim and maintain shrubbery on your property.
· Collect your mail daily. Remove newspapers, advertisements, and trash promptly. Litter implies that the occupant is out of town.
· Don’t display packaging of expensive new items in your trash.
· Never hide spare house keys outside of your home or loan them to maintenance workers.
· Know your neighbors. Start a crime watch and make sure you can easily contact neighbors when you need to. While away, arrange for mail/newspaper pickup, snow removal, or grass mowing.
