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.)