Sanibel Police Department issues residential burglary alert
Over the past two weeks, three neighborhoods have been targeted by criminals who have burglarized vehicles parked at residences on Sanibel.
During the late night hours of Aug. 14, an unlocked vehicle on Beach Road was burglarized. Nothing of value was stolen. That same evening, two unlocked vehicles at a residence in the Periwinkle Trailer Park and one unlocked vehicle on Cardium Street were burglarized. The criminal(s) stole approximately $80 in cash from one of the vehicles.
On Aug. 19 in the late night hours, three unlocked vehicles at a residence on Hurricane Lane were burglarized.The criminal(s) did not take any valuables.
Finally, on Aug. 29 at approximately 10 p.m., two unlocked vehicles at separate residences were burglarized in the Gumbo Limbo subdivision. The criminal(s) removed a laptop computer, an iPod and other electronic equipment from the vehicles.
"Residents must lock their vehicle doors to reduce their exposure to the criminal element," stated Chief of Police Bill Tomlinson. "Don’t make yourself an easy target."
Here are several crime prevention tips that should reduce your odds of being a burglary victim:
• Keep your car doors locked at all times.
• Remove stereo faceplate.
• Keep all valuable items out of sight.
• Keep high-tech components in the trunk or take them out of the vehicle.
• Keep your vehicle registration and personal papers in a location that only you know.
• Engrave your driver’s license number on stereos, speakers or other high tech equipment.
• Use a steering wheel lock
• Never leave your wallet, cash; check book or credit cards in the vehicle.
• Keep your vehicle in a locked garage if possible.
• Activate vehicle alarm system.
If you observe any suspicious activity (or unusual/out of the ordinary activity) at your home or your neighbors, contact the Sanibel Police Department at 472-3111 immediately.