Burglary and Theft

Many burglary and theft crimes go unsolved because police do not have sufficient evidence to lead them to a suspect. The police department often finds property we believe to be stolen. The recovery of stolen property is an excellent starting point to identify the people responsible for the theft and returning the property to the rightful owner. Serial numbers on property is one of the most effective means for identifying stolen property and associating stolen property with particular theft cases.

The problem is many of us do not record the serial numbers on items thieves want to take. This includes items such as televisions, stereos, computers, iPods, cell phones, bicycles and gaming systems. The chances of getting your stolen property back greatly increases when serial numbers are associated with the property.

A few simple steps can help the police recover your items and possibly arrest the people responsible for taking your property. The first, and easiest, step is to record the serial numbers of property you have. Keep the list of serial numbers in a safe place like a safety deposit box. The second step is to take pictures or a yearly video of your items which includes a close up of the serial number. Again, place these pictures or video in a safe place like a safety deposit box. The third step is to engrave the items with your driver’s license number and state of issue. This should look like the following: ID – AB12345A (ID for Idaho, followed by the driver’s license numbers). We do not encourage engraving your social security number on property due to the recent increase in identity thefts.

For construction equipment and tools, mark your items with spray paint in a manner you can easily describe to the investigating officer. Stay consistent with the color and pattern sprayed on the equipment.

By taking these simple precautions, you will be able to play an active roll in solving your case when an officer arrives to take your burglary report. Det. Larry Stokes is the department investigator and can answer any additional questions . He can be reached at (208) 634-7144

A REMINDER TO LOCK UP VALUABLES

With the downturn in the economy comes an upturn in burglaries. Traditionally, law enforcement sees an increase in property crimes when economic times get difficult.

Criminals like easy targets or targets of opportunity. Therefore, if a valuable item, such as camera, wallet or purse, is left where it can easily be taken, someone might just take it. If criminals walk past a car and see a valuable item on the seat and the windows to the vehicle are down, then they will take the item because there is nothing to prevent them from doing so. The same is true if the doors to the vehicle are unlocked. This easy opportunity does not just apply to vehicles. Your house or business can be filled with easy opportunities as well. Doing simple things can help make your valuables less available to criminals.

• Lock your doors and windows
• Provide extra lighting when no one is around and park in well lighted areas. Put lights, radios and televisions on timers in your house.
• Park where you can see your vehicle or where many other people can see your vehicle.
• Ask a trusted neighbor or friend to watch your house and to visit your house regularly while you are gone.
• Have an alarm system installed and turn it on.
• Install a video surveillance system in your home or business.
• Notify the Police Department and request extra patrols of your home or business if you are going to be away for an extended period of time.
• Hide your valuables out of sight, such as in a locked container, under a seat or in the trunk of your vehicle. In your house don’t display valuables in front of an open window.

These few simple things will make your valuables a harder target and criminals might choose to move on to an easier opportunity.