Did you know that most residential burglaries happen during the daytime? This is because people who steal do not want to be caught by an irate homeowner who calls the police. Burglars make the common assumption that people will be away during the day and homes will be vacant.
This month, the Naperville Police Department aims to make Naperville “A Safer Naper” by educating residents on burglary prevention. While Naperville is a safe community, we are not a crime free community. It takes police and citizens working in partnership to prevent crime and build safer neighborhoods.
In 2024, there were 57 residential burglaries in the City of Naperville. Forty-two percent (42%) of those residential burglaries were to unlocked or unsecured homes. That makes locking up and securing your property the number one tip for preventing residential burglary. But being alert for suspicious activity is also a key to preventing this property crime. Here are some burglary prevention basics:
- Secure doors and windows. Ensure all entry points are properly locked with strong deadbolts. Remember to close garage doors.
- Outdoor lighting: Keep outside lights on from dusk until dawn. Pay special attention to entrances, porches and yards.
- Landscaping: Remove potential hiding spots for burglars by keeping trees and bushes trimmed.
- Make your home look occupied even if you are away. Utilize light timers, keep grass cut and snow shoveled, and don’t let mail and packages pile up.
- Get to know your neighbors. When you are going to be away, tell trusted neighbors and ask them to watch your property.
Burglars or burglary crews will often perform surveillance on a residence they intend to burglarize, sometimes days in advance. Burglars will often take notice of daily patterns and check to see if anyone is home before they strike. Know who belongs in your neighborhood and be alert in protecting not only your home, but your neighbors’ as well. Report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity immediately to 9-1-1.
Learn more about burglary prevention at www.naperville.il.us/ASaferNaper.
Until next month… Stay Aware and Stay Safe.
