Protect your home and car from criminal activity

By: The Roseville Police Department 

Summer is upon us! There is no escaping the California sun, but we can certainly implement some of the following crime prevention tips to protect your home and vehicle from potential criminal activity.

Vehicles:

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) one vehicle was stolen every 32 seconds in the United States in 2022.  That amounted to more than one million vehicles, and half of the thefts were due to driver error.  The summer months are the highest season for vehicle theft. 

Here’s what you can do to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of vehicle theft or break-in:

• Do not leave your vehicle(s) unattended with the engine running.
• Close and lock all windows.
• Take your key or fob with you.
• Never leave valuables in your vehicle in plain sight.

Home:

According to the U.S. Department of Justice most burglaries happen in the summertime between June and August.  That’s the time period when many families go away for vacation.  Being away from home for an extended period of time makes your home a target for thieves.  According to the FBI, there are 2.5 million burglaries annually in the United States.  That’s a break-in every 26 seconds. 

Going away on vacation?  Here are some tips to reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a home burglary:

• If you’re going out of town, let trusted friends, neighbors, or family know you’ll be gone.
• Set up a Vacation House Check through the Roseville Police Department.
• Make sure to leave your home (e.g., windows, garage door, pet doors, etc.) locked and secured.
• Put your mail on hold with the US Post Office.
• Don’t post vacation photos on social media until you return home.
• If you have a home security system, make sure it is functioning and use it.

The beginning of summer is when many of us start to entertain, visit family, and plan vacations.  Summer is also the time when home burglaries and vehicle theft/break-ins are on the rise.  Do your part to reduce the chances of being a crime victim this summer season.  Incorporate crime prevention tips so you can sit back and enjoy the summer months, no matter what you plan to do.