UNIVERSITY PARK – State College police have had reports of seven residential burglaries between Jan. 23 and Feb. 3. In every reported burglary over this 11-day period, the home or apartment was entered through an unlocked door. Once inside, the actor(s) are stealing primarily laptops, but also have taken a television, iPods and wallets. The burglaries have occurred both during the day and at night.
Anyone with information about this recent rash of burglaries is asked to contact the State College Police Department at 814-234-7150 or to submit an anonymous tip by going to the police Web site. Police also urge anyone who has been burglarized but has not reported it, to report it as soon as possible.
Police are urging residents to always keep their doors locked, especially when away from home, even for a short period of time. In addition, they are offering some useful residential burglary prevention tips:
— Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened when away or asleep.
— Secure sliding glass doors. Place a metal rod or plywood in the track and install vertical bolts.
— Always lock the door leading to an attached garage. Don’t rely on an automatic garage door opener for security.
— Create the illusion that someone is home by using timers on lights, radios and televisions.
— Keep the perimeter of your home well-lit.
— Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Don’t let mail and newspapers accumulate outside. Have a neighbor park in the driveway.
— Never leave a message on your answering machine advising that you are away from home.
— Never advertise your absence by the use of social media.
— Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways.