EPD Property Crimes detectives would like to remind residents to close and lock their garage doors. There has been an increase in garage burglaries where the suspect(s) gained entry through open garage doors and unlocked pedestrian entrances. In some cases, the suspect used a tool to gain entry, but in most of the occurrences, entry has been unforced. Once in the garage, burglars have stolen property such as tools, bicycles and other valuables. The increase in these burglaries has been recorded across the city, and not confined to any specific area.
Regardless of where you live, it is important to be aware of potential security risks and take the following steps to protect your home and property:
- Keep your garage door closed at all times when not working directly inside.
- Make the pedestrian door and entrance from your garage into your home, is just as secure as your front door.
- Keep your garage door remote on your person, not in the car. Invest in a keychain remote to make this easier.
- It is also a good idea to secure bikes inside your garage, as they become a target during the spring and summer seasons.
Thieves know that if your car is parked somewhere other than your home, they may have time and opportunity to enter your garage while you are still away. For this reason, ensure that any paperwork inside your vehicle does not return to your home address.
- Oregon Administrative Rule 735-030-105, allows the registered owner to “black out or otherwise obscure the residence address, business address, mailing address and vehicle address shown on the registration card. No other information on the registration card may be blacked out or otherwise obscured” in certain circumstances. See: http://arcweb.sos.state.or.us/pages/rules/oars_700/oar_735/735_030.html
- Remove your address from other paperwork you might routinely keep in your glovebox, or remove items as appropriate.
If you are uncertain about the security of your home, please contact the community engagement team to schedule a free home security inspection. Visit our website at www.eugenepolice.com for more details and for more prevention tips and information, including home security video tutorials.
Neighbors, please be alert and call police for any behavior that appears suspicious. For emergencies and crimes in progress call 9-1-1. To report suspicious activity or crimes that have already occurred that are not emergencies, please call the non-emergency line at 541.682.5111.