Three Chestertown residences were broken into during the weekend of May 16-17 according to a summation given to the Chestertown Town Council during Monday’s meeting.
Police Cpl. Martin Heinefield reported that houses on Richard Drive and Byford Drive were entered by cutting screens in open windows and through unlocked doors. In one case a resident was asleep in the house during the burglary but no confrontations occurred.
Police are investigating and have increased patrols in areas vulnerable to break-ins. They also urge residents to be more vigilant about closing and locking windows and doors, making sure cars are locked, and valuable items are not left in plain sight in households or cars.
Here is a list of tips to make your home safer:
- Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.
- Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed. Even if it is for a short time, lock your doors.
- Leave lights on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
- Keep your garage door closed and locked.
- Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
- Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
- Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
- Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
- Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
- Other windows may need better locks. Check with a locksmith or hardware store for alternatives.
- Lawn mowers, barbecues and bicycles are best stored out of sight
- Never leave notes on your door such as “Gone shopping.”
- Have adequate exterior lighting. A motion-sensitive light is recommended for backyards.
Julie Donovan says
Have there been any arrests or leads? A very sad day when crime came to my front door.. (well it came through the dining room window..but you get my point, I hope.)