Crime & Safety

Weekend Residential Burglaries in Golden Valley Prompt Safety Reminder

Two burglaries include stolen items, one attempted burglary was stopped because of locked doors and windows on June 29 in Golden Valley.

During this past weekend, June 29-30, the Golden Valley Police Department  reported three residential burglaries in the area west of Byerly’s. Burglars gained entry through unsecured windows in two instances, but were stopped by locked doors and windows at the third residence.

In a recent Golden Valley press release, police are reminding residents to 
be diligent in your crime prevention efforts and call 911 immediately when you see or hear anything suspicious.
The recent burglaries were as follows:
• On June 29, 2013, on the 6000 block Wolfberry Lane. Unknown suspect(s) entered the home through an unlocked back window overnight and stole miscellaneous electronic items.
• On June 29, 2013, on the 6000 block Wolfberry Lane. Unknown suspect(s) attempted to gain entry into a home overnight by removing a screen on the back porch, but were unable to gain further access because the homeowner had locked the doors and windows.
• On June 29, 2013, on the 5900 block St Croix Avenue North. Unknown suspect(s) made entry into the home through an unlocked window in the back of the home and stole a laptop.

In these cases, it is evident the burglars were going through the backyards of these homes. Light up the outside of your home from dusk until dawn every night with an even, low-level light that doesn’t glare toward the street or in your neighbors windows. Lighting will discourage prowlers, assist police officers who patrol your area, and allow your neighbors to see each others’ houses.

Being a good neighbor is one of the best tools used in fighting crime. Minnesota’s Night to Unite on Tuesday, Aug. 6, is a great time to get the neighbors together to celebrate and strengthen the neighborhood and police partnership in fighting crime. For more information, contact the Police Department at 763-593-8079.

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Crime Prevention Reminders

• Be particularly alert and responsive to noises or activity in your neighborhood. CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY if you see or hear unusual activity. All calls are prioritized and you will be put on hold if necessary, so don’t worry about "bothering the police."
• Make sure your doors and windows are securely closed and locked at night. Keep purses and small electronics out of sight of windows and doors. This includes the house, garage and vehicles.
• When you are in the backyard, remember to close and lock the front door and garage door if out of sight.
• Store ladders and other tools in a secure location so they can’t be used to break into your home or your neighbors.
• If you wake up to hear an intruder in your house, get out of the house if possible. If not possible, stay quiet until it is safe to get to a phone to call 911. If you are unable to speak because you are afraid of making noise, call 911 and leave the phone off the hook.
• If you come home to find a burglary, do not enter your home and call 911 immediately. Do not wait to report the burglary and please do not clean up the burglary before police arrive.
• Be alert to your surroundings. Pay attention to unfamiliar or suspicious people, vehicles, circumstances, and noises. Always call 911 IMMEDIATELY if you think you see or hear something suspicious.
• Walk purposefully, know where you are going, and project a no-nonsense image.
• Do not wear music headphones while walking or jogging.
• Use the buddy system. Avoid going to isolated areas by yourself and always stay on the trails.
• Leave the park well before the sun sets.
• Listen to and act on your intuition. It’s better to be safe and risk a little embarrassment, than stay in an uncomfortable situation that may be unsafe.
• If you are in danger or being attacked and want to get help, yell “Call 911!” or give specific directions to onlookers; for example: “You! Get the police!”
• Don’t take short-cuts through dark alleys, parks or across waste ground. Walk facing the traffic so a car cannot pull up behind you unnoticed.
• Self-defense and safety awareness classes may help you feel more secure.


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