Full Notification

Over the years the Tustin Police Department has seen a variation in the number of residential burglaries, depending on the time of year and public awareness. To stop residential burglaries it is helpful to understand who is committing them, when they typically occur, and ultimately ways to deter or stop them.

Who is committing them?
The majority of residential burglaries are committed by what you might call an “amateur-opportunist,” in other words someone who sees an opportunity to steal and takes it. A high percentage of “easy” home burglaries are committed by male teenagers who live close by.

This is why residential burglaries tend to increase when schools are not in session, such as spring break, summer, and other holidays.

When do residential burglaries occur?
The majority of home and apartment burglaries occur during the daytime when most people are away at work or school. Burglars typically target unoccupied homes or homes which appear to be unoccupied.

Ways to deter burglars:
When it comes to burglary prevention, you can reduce the likelihood of your home being targeted if you take steps to increase the risk of the burglar being seen, and increase the level of difficulty required to gain access to your home and valuables.

• Install sensor lights outside your home.
• Install a “Beware of dog sign” even if you don’t have a dog.
• Install a real security camera (no flashing red lights), even if it is not hooked up to a security system. If it looks real it may deter a burglar.
• Display an alarm decal, even if you don’t have an alarm system.
• Keep shrubs trimmed back from windows to avoid providing a hiding place for the burglar. If you are going away for a long period of time, arrange to have your lawn mowed.
• Stop your daily deliveries or mail if you are going to be gone for a long period of time. Arrange to have your mail held at the Post Office or picked up regularly by a friend or neighbor.
• Lock all doors before you leave the house, even if it is for a short time, and before you go to bed. Remember this includes your garage door, side gate, or shed.
• Lights - Leave them on or put them on an automatic timer. An automatic timer can also be put on your TV or radio. This helps the residence look occupied.
• Sliding glass doors are vulnerable – special locks are available or even a wooden dowel or a track blocker can help.
• Don’t advertise your valuables – Burglars want small, valuable, easy to sell items such as cash, drugs (pharmaceutical), laptop computers, guns, and jewelry. However, whenever you buy a big-ticket item make sure to be discreet. If a burglar sees you can afford big-ticket items, they probably assume you have a lot of other nice things to steal.

Don’t tempt a thief!
Keep valuables locked up or out of sight. For example don’t leave your bike or other valuables unsecured on your front porch.

What do you do if your home is broken into?
If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window or door- Do not enter - the perpetrator may still be inside. Use a cellular phone or a neighbor's phone to call the police. Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.

Always REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY! If you’re not sure if it’s suspicious call us and let us decide. Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles. Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons. Help be the eyes of your neighborhood and remember you can always be a pair of anonymous eyes!

Emergency or Crime in Progress: 9-1-1
Dispatch (For a Report or suspicious activity): (714) 573-3225