Police Corner

By Cpl. Joanna Robertson
Special to the Coastal Point

The Bethany Beach Police Department is currently investigating three burglaries.

On July 20, during the evening hours, unknown subjects broke into three residences, two of which were occupied. It is believed that the same subjects burglarized all three houses.

Nothing was stolen from the first residence, located on Wellington Avenue. The intruders were scared off by an occupant, who was inside the house and was not aware of the crime occurrence.

The second house, located on Oakwood Street, was wide open when the intruders entered, stealing several credit cards, money and computer equipment.

The last house, also located on Oakwood Street, was once again occupied, which did not stop the burglars from stealing a purse containing money and credit cards.

The same night, two vehicles were broken into — one on Parkwood Street and the other on Hollywood Street. Neither was locked. Money was stolen from one of the vehicles. The Bethany Beach Police Department, assisted by a K-9 unit from the Lewes Police Department, searched the area with no results.

Once again, Bethany Beach police want to alert all residents to secure their homes and their vehicles. Burglars aim for the easiest targets. Almost half of burglaries result from thieves simply gaining entry through unlocked doors or unlocked windows. To keep burglars away from your house, make their work difficult, risky and low-profit.

Below you will find some tips on burglary prevention:

• Lock all doors and windows, even if you are in the house (especially when alone).

• Sliding glass doors can offer easy access if they are not properly secured. You can secure them by putting a dowel in the inside track to jam the door.

• Burglars know the best places to find keys hidden outside your home. Instead, give an extra key to a trusted neighbor.

• Thieves hate bright lights. Install outside lights and keep them on at night.

• Do not leave valuables in plain view in your car. Remove them when possible.

• Lock your car even if you are parked in your own driveway.

• Make sure to trim or cut away from any window or other place of entry any landscaping, trees, shrubbery or plants that would provide a burglar with an area of concealment in his attempt to gain entry.

You can find yourself in a dangerous situation when you confront a burglar, or he is not aware of your presence in the house. This is what you do:

• If you are asleep and the intruder comes inside your bedroom, pretend that you are still asleep, let him take whatever he wants and let him leave. Once he is gone, call 911.

• If you are inside the house and the burglar is breaking in, not aware of your presence, do not confront him. Try to secure yourself by, for example, locking the bedroom door. If it is safe, call the police.

• If you meet the burglar face to face, remain calm, and do exactly as the burglar tells you. Let him escape and then call the police.

• If you arrive home and notice that your door is unexpectedly open, do not go inside. Call the police and we will check your house for you.

Be aware and alert to suspicious behavior in your neighborhood and always report it to the police.

Cpl. Joanna Robertson is the public information officer for the Bethany Beach Police Department.