Full Notification

  As spring temperatures rise, many residents open their windows and doors to have air circulate through their homes.  Unfortunately, criminals know and take advantage of this opportunity.  Historically, as the temperature rise the Police Department witnesses a corresponding increase in residential burglaries.   The City of Berkeley averages approximately 50 burglaries each month.  In approximately 50 percent of these burglaries, no force was used, which means burglars generally made entry through an unlocked door or window. 

BPD would like to offer a few helpful reminders to better secure your home.  Always lock your doors and windows, even if you are leaving for a minute and never leave a house key “hidden” outside. 
A few environment changes could dissuade a burglar from selecting your residence:

• Consider motion-activated lighting;
• Consider installing surveillance cameras/or an alarm system;
• Secure exteriors doors with a “dead bolt” lock and consider an alarm system;
• Remember that a garage door opener remote is like a key to your home;
• Keep valuables in unexpected places
• Make your home looked lived in, one way to accomplish this would be putting lights, radios and TVs on timers throughout the house to indicate someone is home. 
• Get to know your neighbors, look out for one another, and report suspicious activity to BPD

Remember, if you come home and see a broken window or damaged door, don’t go in.  There is a possibility the burglar could still be inside. For your safety, call 911 immediately and officers will respond. 
The Berkeley Police Department offers free home security surveys though our Community Services Bureau. If you are interested, please contact our Area Coordinators at 510-981-5806.

To learn more about the Department’s Community Services Bureau, visit their website-- https://www.cityofberkeley.info/Police/Home/Community_Services_Bureau.aspx