GAIN Preventing Home Burglary Workshop
March 12, 2007

In Attendance from the North Precinct:
Gary McNulty, Seattle Police Officer & member of the NCI team patrolling Aurora area
Katie Hernon, North Precinct Burglary Detective
Neil Hansen, North Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator
Dianne Newsom, Sergeant and Supervisor of Community Police Team

Home Burglary Stats:
• 20 years ago 1 in 20 homes burglarized, currently 1 in 60 homes get burglarized
• YTD 2007 232 burglaries have been solved which is only 7-10% of burglaries reported in the North Precinct.

Home Burglary Tips:

Different types of burglars:
Opportunistic burglars: Will shake doors and windows. If they get in, they will steal small items to get rid of easily. Laptops aren’t normally taken to a pawn shop because of serial numbers. Normally they will get sold on Craigslist or EBay. Those who are stealing them mainly want quick cash for drugs.

Planned burglars: Planned burglars have probably been in your home before. Maybe friends with your teenage children or someone you even know.

TIPS:
• Know your neighbors – start a block watch! Contact Neil Hanson at 684-4689 or neil.hansen@seattle.gov to get started or to find out if you have a block captain.

• Let your neighbors know when you are going on vacation or traveling.

• If you see someone suspicious – call 911. Especially if you think they do not belong or are suspicious. You know your neighborhood! Make sure to record the date/time and operator number. If you feel like the operator has treated you unfairly make sure to get the operator number. If you don’t hear it stated in the call ask for it! You can also ask for a supervisor to call you back.

• If there is something that keeps recurring in your neighborhood get an event (not incident) number from the 911 operator.

• Do not keep your valuables in predictable places. Burglaries go first to the Master Bedroom for jewelry and they always check the sock drawer!

• Record serial numbers – take pictures of your belongings, especially jewelry and computer equipment (cameras, tv etc.); you can use a mirror to also show the serial number on the back of the equipment.

• Mark your tools.

• Safes should be bolted to the floor; small mini home safes are worthless and will most likely be stolen.

• It is a good idea to use a safe deposit box at the bank for things such as passports, social security cards or things you cherish and don’t need to see every day (heirloom jewelry, silver etc.).

• Motion lights are great for car prowlers or home prowlers.

• Home alarms are good not only for peace of mind but they also scare people away when the alarm goes off. But stick with well known companies for fewer false alarms. The police department has determined that 90% of alarm calls to the police department are false alarms and they therefore put it as lower priority to respond to these calls.

• A deadbolt lock with one key is sufficient. If the door has glass, use a two key deadbolt lock.

• Locks with a numeric sequence that can be programmed are good for children who lose keys, dog walkers, etc. Also they can tell you what time people came/went from your home.

• Lock your doors and windows, even when you are home. Often burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows. In fact 50% of the time they come through windows.

• One way burglars access the home is by knocking on the door. If the door is not answered, the door can be kicked in or broken.

• If your house is broken into, don’t touch anything. Prints may need to be taken.

Auto Theft Tips:

• Get the Club! Buy it from the Seattle Neighborhood Group for ½ price

• An alarm & starter disabler are really helpful to prevent auto theft

• Don’t leave anything in your car. Regardless of how tired you are. Downtown, cars have been broken into for a bag of trash. If an outsider can’t tell what is in the bag, remove it – and don’t put anything in your trunk. You never know who is watching!

• If you leave your car running and it is stolen, 1) it is illegal 2) your insurance may not cover the theft. If there is a high speed chase your insurance may not cover an accident and it is difficult to charge someone when keys are left in the car! Don’t do it!

Report Abandoned Vehicles and Motor Homes on Residential Streets:

• If you see vehicles that have parked on your block more than 72 hours and you know they do not belong to your neighbors then report them online: Abandoned Vehicle, or call the Abandoned Vehicle Hotline at 684-8763. If the vehicle is creating a traffic hazard, call 911. This includes motor homes that are over 80” wide parked at night on residential streets.

Questions/Problems?
Dianne Newsom, dianne.newsom@seattle.gov
Gary McNulty, gary.mcnulty@seattle.gov
Neil Hansen, neil.hansen@seattle.gov (crime prevention tips)