UPDATE, 3:38 p.m.: Speaking Of … EPD Make Home Burglary Arrest

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This morning, LoCO noticed the above tweet sent out by Eureka Police chief Andy Mills. As discussed further in the EPD press release below, the city has had a rash of daytime home burglaries recently: 

Over the past several weeks, Eureka has experienced a rash of daytime residential burglaries occurring predominantly around the neighborhoods of Fairfield and Henderson Streets, south of Harris Street between D and H Streets, and between 14th and Wabash Streets.  

During a recent 30 day period, there were 21 residential burglaries.  Most occurred Wednesday- Friday during daytime hours when the residents were away. In most cases, the suspect(s) gained entry to the residence by forcing open a rear door or window or through an open attached garage.  Residences with alley access seem to be targeted for their accessibility and ease of escape.     

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity occurring in their neighborhoods that may be related.  Anyone with information regarding the possible identity of the suspect(s) responsible for these burglaries is asked to call the Eureka Police Department at 441-4044.

Police Services Officers are available to conduct a safety check of your home and provide suggestions on how to protect your home and property. Call PIO Brittany Powell at 441-4388 to schedule an appointment.  If you are interested in joining or starting a Neighborhood Watch program contact Problem Oriented Policing PSO Suzie Owsley at 441-4373.   

The following are some precautions that homeowners can take to reduce their risk:  

  • Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened when away.
  • Secure sliding glass doors by placing a broomstick, metal rod or piece of plywood in the track and install vertical bolts. These will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
  • Keep garage doors closed and locked.  Also keep doors that lead to interior of residence secured.  
  • Invest in an alarm system/surveillance cameras.
  • Create the illusion you are home by using timers on lights, radios, and televisions. Make your residence appear occupied even when no one is home.
  • Keep the perimeter of your residence well-lit and trim any shrubs so they do not provide concealment for would-be-burglars.  
  • Never leave a message on your answering machine telling people you are away from home.  Do not post on social media that you are out of town.  
  • Do not leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and newspapers while you are away so delivered items do not accumulate.
  • Re-key the locks when you move into a new house or apartment.
  • Do not hide keys where burglars can find them.  Consider leaving your spare key with a trusted neighbor instead.
  • Report any suspicious activity/persons in your neighborhood to law enforcement immediately.
  • Join a neighborhood watch and/or use Nextdoor.com to communicate with your neighbors