The official start of summer isn’t until June 20th, but it feels like it’s already here. Temperatures are steadily increasing, the days are long, and people are doing whatever they can to beat the heat. Speaking of which, a lot of folks will tend to leave windows and doors open during these summer months to enjoy the fresh air and avoid over-use of the air conditioner. After all, leaving doors and windows open while you’re home is the safest time to do it, right? Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Below is a Santa Clarita summer safety tip to help keep you and your family safer in the coming months.
Burglaries come in many shapes and sizes, the most common of which happen when the resident isn’t home. An individual (or individuals) will case a series of homes, ascertain the most likely time that nobody will be there, then break in and steal what they can. Some would-be burglars, though, aren’t quite as methodical nor are they willing to wait until the resident is gone before they burgle something. Known as “hot prowl” burglaries, these crimes can be particularly scary because they happen when the resident is home. Often, thief will spot an open garage door, walk up and help themselves to whatever can be quickly and easily taken away. Also, it’s not unheard of for one of these “hot prowl” burglars to enter the actual home and make off with a purse, cash, or jewelry.
The easiest way to prevent becoming the victim of a “hot prowl” burglary is to close windows and doors if you’re not going to be in the adjacent rooms. For example, if you’re going to bed in an upstairs room, close and lock the windows downstairs. Another example is if you plan to be in the back of the house (bbq, anyone?) don’t leave your garage door open.
Ultimately, “hot prowl” burglaries are uncommon, but they do happen. That fact doesn’t mean you need to be afraid to open your doors or windows, though, it just means you should take a bit of care when you do.