After a recent spate of burglaries, Charles County Sheriff Rex Coffey is asking homeowners in all communities to watch their house and their neighbor’s homes and to pay attention to what’s going on the neighborhood. If you see something suspicious, say something and call police immediately. Officers will respond to check it out.
Here’s how burglars tend to operate: Typically, they enter a house through an unlocked window or door or they will break out the glass. Sometimes they knock on the front door first to see if anyone is home. If they get an answer, they make up a reason for being there and leave. If they don’t get an answer, they might kick in the door or walk around to the back of the house and break in.
Think jewelry and cash are the only items thieves’ target? Think again. In many cases, they steal TV’s, game systems and other large items and walk down the street as if they did nothing wrong. That’s part of the reason why they get away with it. If they act like they have nothing to hide, no one will think they stole it.
What can you do? Be alert. Look out your windows, pay attention to who’s in your neighborhood, and look for cars that aren’t normally there and make note of tag numbers. Call police immediately if something doesn’t seem right.
Parents are asked to question their teenaged children who come home with property and can’t explain where they got it. Officers recently arrested several teens after stolen property like TV’s, iPods, cameras and other electronics were recovered from their bedroom. The Sheriff’s Office will charge anyone involved in crime, even teens. And a felony theft charge can bring a 15-year penalty.
If you have suspect information in any crime, call (301) 932-2222. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call the Charles County Crime Solvers at 1-866-411-TIPS. There is a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of criminals. For more information about crime prevention, visit the Charles County Sheriff’s Office web site at www.ccso.us.