Full Notification

Recently we have seen a number of unlocked vehicles being entered. These occurred in different locations in the city and were not centralized in one area. We ask all residents to take steps to lessen their chances at becoming a victim.

The Public Safety Office would like to take this opportunity to again remind residents that in the majority of cases, criminals are looking for easy targets that provide them with the least likelihood of being caught. Below are a few tips to help reduce your risk of being the victim of a larceny or burglary.

VEHICLES

• We recommend that you do not leave valuables in plain sight and always lock your vehicle even if you will just be away from it for a short time.

• Park in well-lit areas whenever possible. If the area at your home or business where your car is parked is not lit, consider installing a light or even a motion detector light. Criminals like easy targets where they can commit their crime in a speedy fashion and leave without being seen.

• We occasionally hear people say they would rather leave their car doors unlocked so their windows do not get smashed out. While something like that does occasionally happen it is not the norm to see windows smashed unless there are valuables in plain sight or if the vehicle is parked in an unlocked garage or so far away from any dwelling where the perpetrator can break out the window without being seen or heard.

• That would bring us to the next suggestion of making sure your garage doors are closed and locked. If a thief can enter into an unlocked garage and then operate while not being seen or heard then they may very well break out a window.



YARDS

• We would encourage residents not to leave valuable items such as bicycles, sports equipment, toys, lawn maintenance equipment etc., in their yards unattended. You may only leave to go to the store for a few minutes, but with things being unsecured, that is enough time for a thief to quickly get on your bike and ride off or take other unsecured items.



HOUSES

• As with vehicles we recommend keeping your doors and windows locked.

• If there are any trees or shrubs that obscure the view of the entrance doors or any lower level windows, trim those such that would be intruders do not have a place to be out of view.


• Keep the area lit and consider installing a motion activated light. Remember, criminals generally do not want to be caught so do not make it easy for them to find concealment.



SHOPPING

• Remember, while shopping to put your purchases in your trunk whenever possible so they are not visible and again keep your car doors locked.

• When disposing of packaging from items such as televisions, game consoles, etc. break those containers down and place them in your trash bin. We don’t want to advertise to would be thieves what new items we have available in our homes.

• Maintain physical control of purses and any other valuable personal items while out shopping. Do not leave valuable personal items in your shopping cart.

If you witness any suspicious activity, please call 911 at the time you see it occurring. If you have any information regarding any possible suspects of thefts in the City of Muskegon please contact the Muskegon Police Department or call silent observer at (231) 72-Crime.