The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office saw an increase of residential and vehicle burglaries in some of the neighborhoods south of Reno during the month of November. All of these burglaries involved vehicles and doors that were left unlocked.
Based on data from previous year’s, the Sheriff’s Office anticipates this type of criminal activity to increase as the holidays approach and would like to remind residents throughout Washoe County that now is the time to make a resolution that will help to protect your vehicles, homes and valuables.
The resolution? Lock your doors.
Criminals look for opportunity and taking preventative safety measures may help in mitigating your chances of becoming a victim.
Additional steps residents may take to protect themselves from crimes that typically occur during the holiday and winter months include the following: do not leave items in plain view in your vehicle; if parking outside, remove your garage door opener from your vehicle; if parking in the driveway, leave your outdoor lights on; do not leave residential keys ‘hidden’ in your yard; don’t leave your vehicle warming up in the drive way unattended and report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
The Sheriff’s Office “Take ConTRoL,” crime prevention campaign is another way for residents to easily remember four key messages that help prevent vehicle burglaries:
C – Clean it Out: remove valuables from your vehicle.
T – Take your keys with you. Never leave your car running.
R – Report suspicious activity or crimes to the proper authorities as soon as possible.
L – Lock your doors every time.
Additional safety information is available from the “Staying Safe” page at WashoeSheriff.com. For updates on public safety trends from the Sheriff’s Office year round, residents may “like” the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office on Facebook, follow @WashoeSheriff on Twitter, and sign up for the Sheriff’s monthly Community Partnership Connection e-newsletter at WashoeSheriff.com.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 25th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Regional Intelligence Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.
