Residential burglaries in October

The month of October was a busy time for residential burglaries in the Crescenta Valley area and La Cañada.

“There were 19 residential burglaries, one in Kagel Canyon, 11 in La Cañada and seven in La Crescenta,” said Sgt. Ray Harley of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Harley said that in general, the burglaries are happening during working hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

“There was one, a few weeks ago that the residents reported they were only gone two hours, between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.,” he said.

There were some cases in which residents did not lock their doors, but most did, Harley said.

“Most doors were locked; the [suspects] broke in through back doors and by breaking windows,” Harley explained.

According to reports, many times the homes are ransacked, with the most commonly stolen items being jewelry and technical equipment like computers and video games.

Even though some suspects broke windows to enter, Harley advises residents to make certain their doors and windows are locked when they leave.

“Some people say ‘I never lock my doors’ or ‘I just went out for a little while’ but it is important to always lock your doors,” he said.

“Also, an alarm system may work for some residents, and a dog is a good deterrent.”

Harley said one of the most important deterrents for burglaries is to be alert and know what activity is happening in the neighborhood.

“I know, especially in La Cañada, there is a lot of activity in the neighborhoods between gardeners and construction people and there is a lot of traffic, but if they [residents] see something that doesn’t look right, [call the sheriff’s station],” he said.

Harley added that being alert and noticing the activity outside windows is very helpful.

He said that residents who see any type of suspicious activity should get the best description of the people they see and his or her vehicle, with a license plate number if possible.

“And call the station,” he said.

Crescenta Valley Sheriff Station (818) 248-3464.