Summertime is usually a carefree period when everyone can enjoy beautiful weather and fun.
But, it also can be the time of year when Oxford residents are more susceptible to crime.
The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department is warning local residents to take some simple precautions in hopes of not becoming a victim to crime.
Sgt. Randall Praski said that statistics clearly show that residents are more likely to fall victim in the summer months to things like thefts and vandalism.
‘There is more crime this time of year,? Praski said. ‘There are more larcenies and breaking and enterings. We want people to protect themselves and their property. They can help us at the same time.?
Some ways to help reduce the likelihood of becoming a victim are simple.
Lock your screen and storm doors as an added safety measure.
Close and lock your windows and doors, especially when not at home.
Use a broomstick handle cut to size for placement in a window track or sliding glass door.
Close garage doors at night.
Praski said it is not uncommon for homeowners to leave garage doors open at night and said there are thieves who look for this kind of mistake.
Lock your vehicle doors and do not keep valuables in plain sight in your vehicles, such as laptop computers, GPS devices, purses, wallets and other items.
Praski said thieves often walk through neighborhoods looking inside cars and checking handles to see if they are unlocked.
Leave an occasional light on in your home. Lights placed on timers will vary the time and location of illuminated areas of your home.
Illuminate the dark exterior areas of your home. Motion detector lights work best.
Praski said the motion sensor lights work well because potential thieves do not know why the light came on and usually flee when they are illuminated.
Report suspicious persons or vehicles during overnight times to your local law enforcement agency, or the sheriff’s department at 248-858-4950.
If you are going to be out of town, contact your local law enforcement agency and provide them with the dates you will be gone, return date and emergency contact information.
Praski said law enforcement agencies will check on homes when the occupants are away. It provides another level of security.
He said there has been a series of thefts in recent weeks and said it is important for residents to protect themselves. He said the thieves often walk between houses at night and it is difficult for police to spot them.
‘Residents can help themselves by watching out and can help us by notifying us when they see something,? he said.