FLAGSTAFF – Coconino County Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives are investigating a series of five residential burglaries that were reported during the dates of February 24, 2014 through March 13, 2014. The burglaries have occurred in the Mule Springs area located south of Highway 260 and in the Mineral Loop area north of Highway 260. Residential structures and outbuildings have been targeted in the burglaries.
Method of entry may include both blunt force entry through exterior doors and entry through exterior doors in which the locks have been picked. The suspect or suspects may be targeting construction tools including power tools, air compressors and chain saws. Investigators are looking into the possibility that the burglaries that have occurred in the Forest Lakes area may be related to numerous burglaries that have occurred in the Heber area that are under investigation by the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.
If you believe you see something suspicious such as a vehicle that you haven’t seen in the neighborhood before, a suspicious person that doesn’t appear to belong in the area, an unoccupied home that does not appear to be secure or any other indicator that a crime has occurred, or if you believe you have information regarding these burglaries, please call the Coconino County Sheriff Office at (928) 774-4523, toll free at (1-800) 338-7888, or Silent Witness at (928) 774-6111.
Residential Burglary Prevention Tips
1. Make your home look occupied.
2. Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places — burglars know where to look for hidden keys.
3. Lock all outside doors and windows any time you leave the house, even if you are only leaving for a short time, and before you go to bed.
4. Leave lights on when you go out.
- If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
- Have adequate exterior lighting.
5. Keep your garage door closed and locked.
- Also lock your garden shed and outbuildings.
- Use curtains on garage and basement windows.
6. Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to pick them up regularly.
7. Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary.
- Push button locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all of your outside doors.
- Sliding glass doors are vulnerable. Special locks are available for better security.
8. Change locks immediately if your keys are lost or stolen.
9. Most windows can be pinned for security.
10. Make sure your door hinges are on the inside.
11. Trim trees and shrubs so that they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.
12. An alarm system can be used for additional security. A wide variety of alarm systems are available on the market. If your alarm is going off, do not enter – the perpetrator may still be inside.
13. If you plan a trip, DO NOT post the itinerary of your trip or pictures on social media.
If Your Home is Broken Into
1. Use a neighbor’s phone to call police.
2. Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
3. Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase, original value, and serial numbers. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.
- Keep a copy in a safe place away from home — this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters as well.
- Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques.
4. Mark your valuables with your driver’s license number with an engraver you can borrow from your precinct. Marked items are harder for a burglar to dispose of and easier for police to recover.
5. Be a good neighbor. If you notice anything suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 immediately.
Form a Neighborhood Watch Group which can help you work with your neighbors to improve security and reduce risk of burglary.