A simple way to help prevent a burglary is by taking a look at the outside of your house through the eyes of a thief. Get rid of any overgrown bushes that give someone a place to break in out of the neighbor’s sight. (Photo by Maria Estrada/Cronkite News)
Police are investigating a rash of burglaries in Laveen and say the cooler temperatures may be to blame as people leave their windows open.
Laveen resident Blas Molina said it’s the first time he’s heard of these burglaries happening in the neighborhood.
“Although it’s a peaceful neighborhood,” said Molina. “It worries everybody around here, so we try to stay vigilant to what’s going on around here.”
Molina says someone tried to break into his neighbor’s house at night. Police say this can happen anywhere.
“They are looking for easy targets,” said Sgt. Vince Lewis from the Phoenix Police Department. “They are looking for doors that are left unlocked and now that the weather is getting cooler, people tend to leave windows open.”
Criminals are also breaking into vehicles to take garage door openers.
“You’re going to have to take that garage door opener with you at night,” says Sgt. Lewis. “To make sure that nobody takes the garage door opener and now has access to your garage.”
A simple way to help prevent a burglary is by taking a look at the outside of your house through the eyes of a thief. Get rid of any overgrown bushes that give someone a place to break in out of the neighbor’s sight.
“Something as simple as replacing a burnt out light bulb can light an area,” said Sgt. Lewis. “Removing the landscaping, trimming those back so that you’re not creating hidden spaces.”
Molina will keep his eyes open for those around him.
“If I see something strange going on, you know I’ll try to help my neighbors as well,” he said.