With warmer weather and many residents working on home projects, garages and sheds are left open and unsecured resulting in reported burglaries (primarily bikes and tools) throughout the Treasure Valley.  To protect your property, the Boise Police Department is encouraging residents to practice the following good safety habits:

When working in the backyard, please keep your garage door closed to prevent items from being stolen.  An open garage door with no one in sight can be an open invitation to burglars.

Recheck your garage door before turning in for the night.  A garage door that is open, even only a few inches for a pet or ventilation, is susceptible to crime.

Secure your home and vehicles by locking doors and windows.  Lock the door going from the garage into your home and the door going from your garage to the outside. Secure the pet door too!  In addition, please do not leave firearms in vehicles, even if the vehicle is in a garage.  Many stolen firearms are taken from unsecured vehicles.

Barking dogs can be an indication of unusual activity around your home.  Pay attention and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement (Non-Emergency at 208-377-6790 or Emergency at 911).

Alarms and anti-theft devices work.  If your home or vehicle has one, be sure to use it.

Consider trimming overgrown landscape to prevent hiding places, and leave outside lights on at night.

Frost or cover your garage windows.  People who can see into your garage can view your items.  Remember to secure your windows with locks and dowels to prevent thieves from accessing the garage.

Keep your garage keypad secure – remind children not to share the security code with anyone.

Remember to check your gates, sheds, and detached buildings as well.  Replace old locks and hinges and cover windows.

If you have the time, photograph and engrave your property; record the serial number associated with your equipment.  This will assist the police in recovering your stolen items.

Burglaries are often crimes of opportunity, so if you notice your neighbor’s open garage, please let them know if you feel they are unaware. Remember, we are all in this together.  By practicing good habits and watching out for one another, you and your neighbors can make a difference!