Spree of vandalism, break-ins prompts advice
A spate of break-ins, thefts and criminal mischief has prompted the Coatesville Police Department to issue some crime-prevention tips.
For vehicles, residents are urged to lock doors and refrain from keeping valuables or keys, weapons – not even pepper spray – in your vehicle; these could aid a thief or be used against you if a suspect is confronted, police said.
Try to park vehicles in well-lit areas, police suggested, and keep a record of serial numbers for items such as cell phones, GPS units, iPods and other electronic devices. Police said this would assist police in entering stolen items into a national database. Contractors are urged to utilize lock boxes and keep a record of tool serial numbers.
At home, residents should always lock exterior doors when going to sleep or leaving the premises. At night, leave a porch and/or deck light illuminated. Motion-detecting fixtures should be checked regularly to ensure that they are working properly and that the bulbs are illuminating the right area. If your home has a burglar alarm, provide the code only to trusted relatives or emergency contacts, police said.
