Hello Highland Park,

I just wanted to pass along some information that was posted on the Citizen Observer by our Burglary Unit.  Remember you access the Citizen Observer at www.citizenobserver.com

Cmdr.

RaShall M. Brackney, Commander

Zone Five Station

Penn Circle West and Ansley

Pittsburgh, Pa. 15206

(412) 665-3605

-----Original Message-----
From: CitizenObserver [mailto:no-reply@citizenobserver.com]
Sent: Friday, October 19, 2007 4:06 PM
To: Brackney, Rashall
Subject: New Citizen Alert

Pittsburgh Bureau of Police
Citizen Alert
	Investigations Branch - Burglary Squad Tips from the Burglary Squad to better secure your Homes As simple as this sounds, make sure windows and doors are locked when away. HOWEVER, windows are easily broken and doors are easily jimmied or kicked in SO… Consider a burglar alarm system (which are not as expensive as you would think) which immediately sounds a loud alarm when a break-in happens.  The signal is then dispatched to the police.  Burglars tend to run as soon as the alarm sounds. Do not discard cartons with new electronics etc… out for the garbage until the morning of pick up.   Hide laptops, IPods etc… when out.  A good tip is to leave an old laptop case on the floor opened up with some interface wires laying on a table or desk.  This may make the burglar think the laptop is out of the house. Burglars frequently case neighborhoods and become very familiar with them.  Note strangers prowling the neighborhood and call police to report it, no matter how insignificant it looks.  The response of uniformed officers is the best weapon against catching a burglar.  Patrol Officers love to catch burglars. Consider calling a locksmith to access your home for security hardware. Keep accurate records of your valuables, including serial numbers of electronics etc… Consider motion activated night lights. WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU COME HOME AND DISCOVER  YOUR HOUSE HAS BEEN BROKEN INTO Immediately leave the house and call police, the burglar(s) could still be in the house. Do not disturb anything, you may destroy evidence. Note any suspicious people, vehicles  etc… in the area, especially in  alleys and side     streets, which may speed away upon your arrival home. After your home is secured by police, file an initial burglary report.  After the police leave, carefully check the entire house for other property missing and areas disturbed.  Report this to detectives who will conduct a follow-up interview and possibly order additional fingerprinting. Expect a call from the Mobile Crime Unit who will set an appointment to fingerprint as soon as possible. See More Details
Please do not reply to this email. Direct any questions or feedback to the contact at your local law enforcement agency. To unsubscribe from Citizen Observer Alerts, Click Here