In response to several break-ins and burglaries in Queen Anne (see here, here and here) and Magnolia since the start of the new year, SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator Terrie Johnston wrote in with a few tips for protecting yourself, and your home, from crime. She wrote,

Lessons learned from them could be to use the locks and latches you have. Many of the entries are being made through doors or windows left open or unlocked (for the nanny, for the dogs, etc). If you have an alarm system, activate it, as at least a few of the burglarized homes had alarm systems which were not turned on. If you do discover your home has been burglarized, please do not clean up the crime scene. We need to be able to get usable information to lead to the prosecution of the criminals. Lastly, please do not hesitate to report suspicious activity to 9-1-1, even if what you are reporting is not an emergency.

As always, Terrie is a available for free home security surveys and Block Watch group organizations. She’s booked through the end of the month, but is happy to arrange appointments in February or answer questions via phone (206-684-4741) or email (terrie.johnston@seattle.gov).