Winchester Police see an increase in residential break-ins

The Winchester Police Department (WPD) is reminding residents of some tips for safeguarding their homes and property after seeing an increase in residential break-ins. Over the past month, WPD has responded to 13 homes for reports of burglary. In comparison to the first eight months of 2019, the Department saw an average of four incidents per month.

 

The following safety tips can help protect your home and belongings:

  • Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even when you are home.
  • If someone is at your door, verify who it is before opening.
  • Do not display expensive items that are within view from the outside.
  • Record or register items in your home that have serial numbers.
  • While away from the home, make it appear that someone is home by utilizing lights inside and out. 
  • If you have a security system, activate it at night and while away.

 

If you become a victim of burglary, please contact law enforcement immediately and do not disturb anything. This will help preserve any potential evidence that could be collected and processed by officers. For more information about how to protect your home and property, please contact Amy Stotlemyer, a crime prevention specialist assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division, at 540-545-4704.  Community members can also take part in prevention efforts through our local Neighborhood Watch groups. Please visit the Winchester Police Department website to learn more.

BACK TO LIST