From Niesha Lofing:
Woodland police are asking residents to protect themselves burglars and thieves targeting one of the city's neighborhoods.
The department has seen an increase in home and vehicle burglaries and vehicle theft in recent weeks, police Lt. Charlie Wilts stated in a news release.
Between the nights of Oct. 29 and 30, there were 14 reported vehicle thefts, many of which happened in the Presidents Park residential development, east of the County Fair Mall. People believe a few individuals are responsible for the crimes.
In nearly all of the thefts, the vehicle was unlocked or there was no sign of forced entry, he said.
The thieves do not appear to be targeting a specific make or model vehicle and do not appear to be looking for specific property to steal. In some of the cases, the stereo was stolen or attempts were made to steal it, Wilts said.
The police department is dedicating specific enforcement activities in order to catch the thieves.
Police also are asking residents to take preventative measures to protect themselves. Tips include the following:
• Lock unattended vehicles day and night. Make sure locks work properly.
• Lock doors and windows when leaving home.
• Lock side access gates to rear yards when not in regular use.
• Keep high value jewelry or significant amounts of cash in safes that are internally bolted in place.
• Keep firearms in gun safes when possible. If a gun safe is not available, guns should be equipped with gun locks.
• Record and keep serial numbers on high-value electronics.
• Become a "nosey neighbor" and report unusual or suspicious activity in neighborhoods to the police. Write down license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles and note the color and make of the vehicle. Call 911 or the police department's non-emergency line at (530) 666-2411.
• Start participating in Neighborhood Watch programs or start one in neighborhoods without one. Call (530) 666-7854 for more information.
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