Home Burglary Prevention

The Hopkins Police Department urges residents to take some simple precautions that will reduce your chances of becoming a victim of a home burglary.

When Most Break-Ins Occur

• Daytime when occupants are at school or work
• July and August are the most the frequent months for break-ins-February is the least common.

How Homes Are Targeted

An unoccupied home with easy access, the greatest amount of cover and the best escape routes is most often chosen. Homeowners often make this selection process easy for thieves by failing to take simple precautions

If You See Something of Someone Acting Suspicious

If you see anyone acting suspicious around your house or a neighbor’s house, call 911 immediately.

If your house is broken into:

• Call police immediately. Don’t touch anything that the criminal may have touched.
• Don’t go in…wait outside for police to arrive.
• Write down plate numbers of suspicious vehicles.

Not all break-ins will be stopped, regardless of the precautions that you take. Talk to your insurance agent to make sure that your valuables will be covered in the event of a theft.

Operation Identification

Contact the Police Department for your personal Operation ID number. Engrave your Operation ID number on televisions, stereos, computers and electronic devices. Photograph your valuables, especially jewelry and electronics. Make a list of make, model, serial numbers and value of important items and give a copy of this list to a relative or close friend or keep it locked in a safe.