2 Minneapolis Neighborhoods See Wave Of Burglaries
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) - Over a five-day period, two small neighborhoods along the western edge of Minneapolis have seen 10 home burglaries.
Police say that several of the burglaries in the Willard Hay and Lind Bohanon neighborhoods appear to be related. Burglars have taken household electronics, cash and other items, though in several cases the homes were not entered.
Six of the burglaries happened overnight while residents slept, police said. And in seven of the burglaries, suspects pried or kicked open the homes' back doors.
If you have information about the burglaries, you're asked to call the fourth precinct property crimes unit at 612-673-5714.
The Minneapolis Police Department offers these tips for dealing with burglaries.
- Never leave your home or personal property unsecured. Always lock all doors and windows when you leave home. Always keep your garage secured and locked.
- Use double cylinder deadbolt locks with 6" strike plates and 3" screws on all exterior doors. Deadbolts should have at least a 1" throw. Pin your double-hung windows or have auxiliary locks added to them.
- Alert your neighbors and block club members to the problem and be sure to watch out for each other. Remember, the majority of burglars who are caught in the act are caught because a neighbor reported seeing something suspicious.
- Call 911 to report suspicious activity. This includes strangers walking down your alley and looking in garages, loitering, or vehicles circling the block with occupants you don't recognize.
- If you are burglarized, do not contaminate the crime scene. Do not enter your home until police have cleared it of possible suspects. Do not touch any suspected entry points or items that may have been moved by the burglar. Do not "clean up" until after police have investigated.
- Ask your crime prevention specialist to conduct a free Home Security Survey. They will give you many tips and ideas for making your home more secure and less vulnerable.
