How long does it take to mow a lawn? Long enough for a thief to slip into your garage or home through a door you left unlocked. Roseville Police recommend locking your doors while doing yardwork.
Thieves know that homeowners often leave doors unlocked or garage doors opened while in the yard and take advantage of the time you’re distracted while working or relaxing in the yard. They can listen for the mower and when it’s turned off, they know it’s time to make a run for it.
Roseville Police recently had a call from a resident who had been doing some yardwork. A young man stopped to talk with him. The homeowner later found that cash and valuables had been stolen from his home. He believes an accomplice snuck in the home through an unlocked door while he was distracted by the first person.
Although Roseville is a relatively safe community, thieves do visit the area. They may ring a doorbell, and if no one answers they’ll go around to a side or back door to see if it is open. Unfortunately, all too often the door is left unlocked.
Residents can take steps to prevent becoming a victim of a crime.
- Shut and lock all windows and doors, including garage doors, whenever you are not home or when doing yardwork or playing outdoors
- Remove garage door openers from vehicles left outside of the garage
- Lock bicycles, gardening tools, ladders, mowers and other valuables in a garage or storage area
- Remain alert about what is happening in your neighborhood and report suspicious activity to 9-1-1
If you believe you have been a victim of a crime, contact the police at 651-767-0640 or file a report at www.cityofroseville.com/police/file-a-report.
Roseville residents can contact Crime Prevention Specialist Corey Yunke at corey.yunke@cityofroseville.com or call 651-792-7209 for crime prevention tips for your home or business. Yunke will speak to neighborhood watch groups, service clubs, places of worship and business organizations about ways to protect your home or business from theft.