Bismarck Tribune - Bismarck News - Keep doors locked, police warn

Keep doors locked, police warn

Aug 26, 2008 - 04:06:39 CDT

By JENNY MICHAEL
Bismarck Tribune

Bismarck police are urging people to keep their homes and vehicles locked amid a surge in residential burglaries.

In 2007, 81 burglaries at homes were reported to the Bismarck Police Department. Already in 2008, 91 such burglaries have been reported.

Both years, no force was used to gain entry into the homes about 70 percent of the time, meaning doors to homes or garages were unlocked or open.

A solid door with a properly installed deadbolt is the best bet to keep burglars at bay, Sgt. Dwight Offerman said.

"You stand a much better chance of not having anything missing,"he said.

Occasionally, burglars gain entry into homes by forcing through doors or windows, but police hardly ever see locks that have been picked.

"It takes a greater skill level than what you see ... on TV," Offerman said.

Police also advise people to keep shrubs and bushes near windows trimmed, install and use deadbolt locks, install outdoor lighting with motion sensors and have someone watch their homes during absences.

Offerman said it's "hard to say" what has led to the increase in residential burglaries. He said Bismarck's growing population could be a factor.

Police also warn people to lock their car doors, as well. Between 80 and 130 vehicles are stolen annually in Bismarck, and nine were reported stolen last week alone. Many of the stolen cars were unlocked, with the keys left in the ignition, glove box or under a floor mat.

"Most of our car thieves in this area are not professional, and they very rarely, if ever, hotwire a vehicle to steal it," a release from the police department said. "Most vehicle thefts are crimes of opportunity and could be prevented."

(Reach reporter Jenny Michael at 250-8225 or jenny.michael@bismarcktribune.com.)

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Comments

Seriously wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:41 PM:

" The police need to tell the public to lock their doors!? People, wake up! If it is valuable and you leave it unlocked, someone will probably take it. Sad, but true. "

Independent Conservative wrote on Aug 26, 2008 6:35 PM:

" Harleyp, are you kidding? What would gas prices have to do with it? I'm certain you've pulled up to the pump in, say, the past 12 months. It wouldn't surprise me if that was the motivation of some of the thieves. And "good ole days"? You're right about them being long gone, and while it's wise to live like these are the "bad ole days" isn't this really about crime and the criminals? They're the cause... not the victims. Do you mean to excuse the criminals? I'll bet you don't and I sure didn't mean to sound that way with regard to high gas prices. One thing for sure, I think it glib to suggest a few newcomers may be responsible. "

Geoff wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:22 PM:

" Hey burglars: If I forget to lock, I've still got my Glock! "

Amanda wrote on Aug 26, 2008 2:11 PM:

" I can't believe how many people still leave their doors unlocked, to either their cars or their homes.
I don't leave anything of value in my van (unless carseats count?) but I still LOCK IT. That's just plain old common sense! My home is locked every night. Even if I know I locked it I will check again just to make sure. "

Snap wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:36 PM:

" And there's that provincialism again! A rise in crime must be due to those outsiders coming in! The first thought from the officer and the only comment published by the Trib!! It couldn't possibly be a born and bred North Dakotan who grew up in the area and knows the local peoples' habits! SOOOO typical. "

Cindyloo wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:25 PM:

" I always lock my car; I never leave keys inside. I always lock my home. For me, it's just common sense. "

Rebecca wrote on Aug 26, 2008 12:06 PM:

" I don't know why people seem to think that Bismarck/Mandan is a small town where they can leave their doors unlocked and the keys in the ignition. When I was in high school (7 years ago!) my car was stolen on the ONE day I forgot to lock it. I always lock my car doors and the door to my house. It has nothing to do with gas prices and everything to do with people wandering around seeing what they can get away with. "

Harleyp wrote on Aug 26, 2008 11:22 AM:

" What the heck would the price of gas do with it.

The cause is with people living like it was back in the "good ole days" when you didn't think of leaving your doors or anything like that open. Them days are long gone. Like They stated most times people leave their doors open leave keys in their cars all with all their things in the car. Have seen posted on this things such as purses,phone,money,large numbers of cd's,cash and much more expensive items laying in the open of their cars. This goes beyond naive it is plain dumb. It screams take me. "

Independent Conservative wrote on Aug 26, 2008 8:31 AM:

" Perhaps the rise in population has something to do with this. I'd suggest the rise in gas prices has more to do with it. Sure there have been vehicles stoeln, but what is being stolen most is negotiable goods and loose cash, according to a report two weeks ago on KFYR radio. Even with the recent drop in fuel prices, it is still 95 cents higher than a year ago at ths time, which was too high to begin with. "

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