Best Protection Against Home Burglary

Is there anything you have ever wanted to know from ? Well, this is your chance to ask. 

Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our newest column, “Ask Campbell PD.” We will be teaming up with the Campbell Police Department to answer your questions.

Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run two-three questions and answers. To submit a question, email mayra.marcotte@patch.com or add it in the comments section below.

This week's questions from Campbell Patch readers were answered by Campbell Police Capt. Dave Carmichael.

1. My home was recently burglarized in the middle of the day with a witness who thought the burglars were working for me. My house was locked tight and I was very surprised at their method of entry. I also have been awakened to how common such crimes are lately.

What are the statistics for burglary, theft, and (scary thought) home invasions in our area and what can we do to protect ourselves and our property better?

If something does happen, what is your advice for dealing with the aftermath?

We find that most residential burglars operate during the day when many people are out of their homes. Frequently, they will find an unlocked window or door to make entry, but we also have cases where they have used a rock, prybar, or other tool to gain access. On occasion, burglars may knock on the door to see if anybody is home before looking for a way to get into the house.  When we arrest these suspects, they confirm that they wanted to make sure nobody was home before breaking in. 

Many of the burglars we have arrested recently have been juveniles. Through June of 2012, we had a total of 155 burglaries including residential and commercial. Through June of 2011, we had 120 residential and commercial burglaries. This is an increase of 29 percent.  

Many of our neighboring law enforcement agencies have experienced similar increases in this activity. Home invasion robberies are very rare in our area. We had 0 reported home invasion robberies in 2011 and have not had any so far in 2012. 

The best way to protect yourself from residential burglary is to lock your doors and windows, particularly when you leave the house. Dogs and alarms can also serve as deterants. In addition, we strongly encourage neighbors to watch out for each other and to immediately report suspicious activity to the police. In doing so, our officers are provided with the best opportunity to catch the suspect(s).