REPORT FROM KPD – LĪHU’E – Kaua’i police are noticing a rise in burglaries across the island and are working diligently to apprehend offenders, but the department is offering tips to citizens on how to protect their private property before a crime occurs.
“Becoming a victim of a break-in can leave home and business owners feeling very vulnerable,” stated Kaua’i Police Chief Darryl Perry. “But the truth is, by implementing a few proactive measures, citizens can greatly reduce their chances of being victimized.”
Police say there is a trend for people to let their guard down during the summer months, likely because they are spending more time outdoors and away from home.
“Warm weather can lead home owners to leave their windows or doors open, which increases the opportunity for break-ins,” adds Chief Perry. “Most crimes are crimes of opportunity. In other words, don’t make it easy for someone to break-in.”
Chief Perry reminds residents and visitors that the most effective way to avoid being a victim of property crime is to lock and secure doors and entryways at all times, even when at home.
Other tips for keeping your property secure are as follows:
· Place physical obstructions, such as wood dowels, in sliding windows and door tracks to better secure them.
· Never hide your house key outside.
· If you move into a new home, or lose a copy of your key, change your locks immediately.
· Trim shrubs and hedges around your home so burglars don’t have a place to hide.
· Install motion detection lighting around dark exterior areas, walkways, and doorways.
· Never leave your keys in the car or hide a spare outside of the car.
· Never leave valuables in the vehicle, including the trunk.
· If you can afford it, install a security system.
· Be aware of anyone who might be “casing” your property for a future break-in.
· Report suspicious activity to Police Dispatch at 241-1711 or Crime Stoppers, 241-1887.
The Kaua’i Police Department also offers property owners a checklist to assess if a home or business is properly secured. To download the free checklist, go to www.kauai.gov/police and click on the ‘Community Relations’ tab.
Finally, KPD encourages communities to form alliances to keep an eye out for each other. By participating in an organized Neighborhood Watch Program, communities can work directly with the police department to determine and deter crime trends in their neighborhoods in a manner that is both safe and effective.
“There is truly power in numbers when it comes to Neighborhood Watch Programs,” stated Chief Perry. “By committing to each other, these programs create a greater awareness of what is occurring in your area, and thus creates a greater sense of security and well-being.”
For more information on a Neighborhood Watch Program in your area, contact Community Relations Sgt. Rod Green at 241-1669.
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All valid tips…although they are things any sensible person would know. Anyway, I think if someone want to rob your house they will do it no matter what obstacles you put in his way.
The security ideas are great. it happens so often that most people know of these ideas, yet just forget to get lazy to implement these or perhaps most of them. Security to our property is just as important to our lives. as they are both connected to much limit.
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