Seaside reports increased burglaries

The City of Seaside has experienced a marked increase in car burglaries and a slight increase in residential burglaries, police said Wednesday.

The methods of entry have varied from forced entry, to entry through unlocked doors and unsecured windows. Officers said the most common items taken have been jewelry, currency and electronics.

People are asked to keep their eyes open and report any suspicious activity to the communications center at (831) 394-6811.

If you believe a burglary may be in progress, call 9-1-1. If you arrive home and find an open door or broken window, do not go inside. Retreat to a safe place and call 9-1-1.

Here are some suggestions from police in light of this recent increase of burglaries:

Lock all doors and windows at your residence, even when leaving for “just a minute”
Lock all doors of your vehicle when unattended and roll up the windows.

-Do not leave any valuable items inside your vehicle
-Secure valuable items in a safe location (i.e. jewelry, cash)
-Install sensor lighting around your residence
-Install an audible alarm on your vehicle and residence.
-Get to know your neighbors and form a neighborhood watch in your area
-Encourage neighbors to report any suspicious activity (people or vehicles)
-Never leave a house key available: under a doormat, in a flower pot, or on the ledge of the door. (These are the first places a burglar will look.)
-Use timers so that lights, radios and televisions go on and off throughout the house to indicate someone is home

If you will be on vacation for an extended period of time, Seaside police said you can request a “close patrol” and have a trusted friend or neighbor pick up your mail, newspaper and trash.

Seaside police said officers are working with homeowners to curb this trend and taking the few extra steps to security will make a difference.

Following are the various contact numbers to notify or request assistance from the Seaside Police Department:

Anonymous Tip-Line – (831) 899-6282

Seaside Police Department – (831) 899-6748

Non-Emergency Dispatch – (831) 394-6811