From March 12-19, Sheriff’s Deputies responded to 753 calls for service/events. Higher call volumes occurred in the following areas: Traffic Stops-125, Assist Citizen/Motorist Assists-41, Suspicious Subject/Situation/Vehicle-37, Property Damage Crashes-32, Traffic Violations-29, Shoplifting Complaints-26, Check Well Beings-26, Alarms-22, Traffic Hazards-17, Car/Deer Accidents-15, Domestic Disputes-15, Civil Complaints-13, Personal Injury Crashes-11, Suicidal Threat or Attempt-10, Disorderly Person or Subject-10, and Property Damage Hit & Run-9.
Protecting your home while on spring break –
Inside the house:
- Set timers on interior lights. Don't allow your house to appear as if no one is home.
- Disconnect the computer, TV, stereo and other electronics, or make sure they are plugged safely into a surge protector.
- Don't make or socialize status updates. Never broadcast your location on social media.
- Alert your alarm company. If you have an automatic security system in place, call your representative. Make sure the alarm is set properly when you leave.
- Secure valuables. Doing this ensures that you don't leave out anything valuable in plain sight that a burglar might be able to see from a window.
- Set the HVAC. Set a programmable thermostat to lower your heat or air conditioning usage and remember to change the thermostat's battery.
- Make sure pipes in vulnerable areas such as attics, basements, and crawlspaces are insulated. Set your thermostat at 55 degrees or above. Ask a neighbor or trusted friend to stop by and check on the house and periodically turn on the faucets to help ensure the pipes don't freeze.
- Lock all doors and windows. It might seem obvious, but double-check just to be sure.
Outside the house:
- Arrange for lawn care. Before you leave, trim tree branches that might allow access to a climbing burglar.
- Stop newspapers and mail. Stop mail and newspaper deliveries, or have them regularly picked up by a neighbor.
- Plan some exterior lighting. Set lights on timers to deter burglars.
- Don't leave spare keys outdoors. Collect any hidden spare keys from around the exterior of your home.
- Lock the garage. Even if there is no entrance to your house from the garage, there's still a chance for numerous things to be stolen.
Yours in Public Safety,
Sheriff Tom Reich