AUGUST 27, 2009 ISSUE
Boone Police: Home, Vehicle Break-Ins and Graffiti Increasing
The number of break-ins to homes and vehicles has drastically increased this year in Boone and police are hoping that residents will do a few things to hopefully help stop some of the crimes.
Boone Police Lt. Tom Redmond has run the numbers and it shows a significant increase in the number of breaking and entering reports.
In the first seven months of 2008, there were 46 vehicle burglaries reported. That number jumped 113 percent this year to 98.
Residential burglary reports were up 55 percent (from 22 in 2008 to 34 in 2009) during the same time period and business burglary reports jumped 190 percent (from 10 in 2008 to 29 in 2009).
Of the 30 vehicles that have been broken into from July 1 to August 24, only two have been forcibly entered, while 11 of the 25 homes or businesses that have been burglarized have been unlocked.
Redmond said he thinks that some of those burglaries could be avoided if residents simply thought more like a criminal.
“If a person would just put their mind into how a thief thinks, that could help,” he said.
Thieves see unlocked car doors or open windows in a home and could see an easy target.
From locking your doors and windows to placing valuables in your trunk, there are easy ways to help prevent these crimes.
The reported vehicle break-ins haven’t simply occurred in one area, but in different areas.
“It’s been so sporadic,” Redmond said. “[The criminals] stay within a several block area, but there’s no pattern. There’s no consistency to what they are doing.
“If you see unusual people in your parking lot, don’t think it’s okay. Call the police.”
A sign that reads “Alert: Remove All Valuables & Change, Lock Your Vehicle” has been placed in town and is moved each week as a reminder to residents.
Another crime that the police are working to stop is graffiti in the uptown area.
Redmond said that the police have made two arrests, but the problem is still there.
He said the big problem is the graffiti artist using a black marker to draw a design on a building. This crime only takes a few seconds to commit.
“The graffiti is an eyesore,” he said. “The business owners have come together and they are trying to watch out for each other’s property.”
He hopes that others also use vigilance and alert the police to anything unusual, from possible burglars to graffiti artists.
“We’re doing anything and everything to try and make a positive approach to this and to be proactive,” Redmond said, “instead of reacting through report taking.
“We’d like to make a big community watch out of the whole town.”
Preventive Tips for Stopping Break-Ins
For vehicles:
-Take all valuables out of vehicle or secure them in the trunk.
-Hide loose change in console so it isn’t out in the open.
-Always lock your doors, whether you’re at home, shopping or at work.
For homes:
-If your doors are open during the day, make sure the storm doors are locked.
-Don’t leave windows open at night or if you’re not home.
-If you leave at night, make sure to leave a light on outside and inside.
-Leave the television or radio on, just as a noise deterrent, if you leave at night.
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