J uly 30, 2013

Since July 23rd, there have been five home burglaries where suspect(s) gained or attempted to gain entry to homes by cutting or removing the screen on unlocked windows. Four occurred in Powderhorn Park Neighborhood with one in Bryant Neighborhood. It’s time to remind ourselves and neighbors that we have to make sure our windows and doors are locked. Screens are not a deterrent for burglars.

Below is a summary of these incidents:

Date Location Time Occurred 7/25-26 35xx 11th Avenue South between 9pm-8:30am 7/26 41xx Portland Avenue between 8:10am-5:20pm 7/26 30xx 13th Avenue South between 6pm-9pm 7/27 16xx E. 31st St. 2:18 am Victim was home during this incident. Suspect was dressed in all dark clothing. 7/28 36xx Bloomington Avenue time unknown

In addition, there were two burglary attempts by suspect(s) who pushed in window air conditioners. In both cases, residents were home, suspect(s) fled and no entry was made.

Date Location Time Occurred 7/28 32xx Clinton Avenue 10:55 pm 7/29 34xx 5th Avenue South 6:45 pm

Practice these good home security and crime prevention techniques:  Double check your windows to make sure they are locked before you leave or before you go to bed.  Window air conditioners need to be tightly secured to the frame of the window or taken out of the window when you are not home.  Make your home look occupied.  Keep your doors locked at all times.  Be on the lookout. The police want you to call 911 for any suspicious activity such as strangers walking in yards or between houses, the sound of glass breaking, loud banging and unfamiliar trucks or vans lingering in your alley.  Install deadbolt locks (with a 1" throw) and a high-security strike plate (with 3" screws) on home and garage doors. If you have glass within 42" of the door lock, consider: 1) a double-cylinder deadbolt lock, 2) tempered glass, or 3) a decorative grille over the glass.  Use window pins, track fillers, or additional locks to prevent windows from being opened more than 6". Don’t leave them open if you are not home.  Record the serial number of your valuables. Don’t wait to locate the serial number after you’ve been burglarized. Having a serial number available to give to officers may help solve the crime and recover your stolen items.  If you are a victim, share your information with your neighbors. If you have a block club, contact your block leader for assistance to get the word out.

For more information about block clubs or crime prevention, contact Crime Prevention Specialist Karen Notsch at 612-673-2856 or [email protected]