| 
Home, business break-ins higher in some neighborhoods
by Scott Leamon / WSLS NewsChannel 10
Dec 14, 2005
Police in Roanoke County, along with Montgomery County, have been investigating
almost one break-in per day since the last week of November.
Montgomery County listed 13 breaking and entering calls on it's crime report
since November 24th, 6 were homes, 3 storage buildings, and 4 were businesses,
according to Montgomery County sheriff's office Lt. Brian Wright.
Roanoke County detectives investigated 15 home break-ins, and 8 business break-ins,
during that same time period, said Roanoke County Police Lt. Chuck Mason.
Police from across both valleys agreed the amount of home and business break-ins
go up around the holidays, although none of them could agree on any one specific
reason.
Outdoor lighting, and letting your neighbors know when you're not home, are
the two most significant steps home owners can take to ward off burglars, according
to Christiansburg police crime prevention specialist, Sgt. Kevin Tucker.
Tucker said outdoor lighting should be positioned near every entrance to your
home, and all of your house's sides.
The officer estimated proper outdoor
lighting could
reduce your chances of being burglarized by up to "50 percent."
Tucker also advised to check your windows to make sure they are locked.
He said to trim back trees and scrubs near your home so any neighbors, or
passers-by, could spot someone trying to break in to your house. |
