The Golden Valley Police Department (GVPD) reminds residents to take precautions after receiving reports of burglaries in Golden Valley and neighboring cities within the last few months.
Police departments that have shared information believe affluent neighborhoods are being targeted by one or more organized groups that are not choosing houses at random but are watching them carefully prior to burglarizing them. They are stealing jewelry, safes, and high-end merchandise. It’s believed the burglars are not violent and tend to choose unoccupied houses. Detectives are working collaboratively with law enforcement partners to identify suspects.
The GVPD offers the following tips to protect yourself, your home, and your belongings:
- Install security cameras and alarms, make sure they are working properly, and always set them when leaving home.
- It’s best if alarm monitoring companies can immediately contact police prior to homeowners if an alarm is set off.
- In addition, install lights outside of the home and turn them on at night.
- If possible, make sure security cameras can be monitored via cell phone.
- Lock all doors and windows prior to leaving home.
- Leave a few lights on when you’re gone to make it look like someone is home.
- Register your camera with the GVPD’s CommunityCam program. If a crime occurs in your area, GVPD personnel may contact you to view your video in an attempt to gain more information about the crime.
- If you see something, say something. Suspicious activity should always be reported to 911.
“This information isn’t meant to alarm our community,” said Assistant Police Chief Alice White, “but to make everyone aware and be proactive about preventing criminals from targeting our neighborhoods.”
To learn more about additional campaigns designed to prevent crime and improve community safety, visit the Community Outreach Programs web page on the City website.