Residential areas of Winnemucca have experienced several attempted and some successful burglaries of parked vehicles in the last month, according to the Winnemucca Police Department.
All of the actual burglaries have been due to unlocked vehicles, WPD said in a news release, and advised residents to lock their vehicles.
Some additional deterrents would be to make sure homes are secure and add motion-detected lights outside. It is also advisable not to post the dates of proposed vacations or other times homes will be vacant on social media. Also, displaying newly purchased electronics or valuables on line makes it easier for thieves to target someone.
WPD advises residents to notify dispatch and request a house watch when going out of town. Doing so helps law enforcement officers identify potential targets. WPD also said to call if anything looks out of place upon arriving home from a trip and to remain outside until it is determined to be safe.
WPD said the familiarity of Winnemucca could be part of the reason people have the opportunity to take advantage of others.
"Winnemucca is a great place to live. We enjoy raising our families in a relatively small community where we recognize the faces of our neighbors and friends. This familiarity can create a sense of comfort to us, however may create an opportunity to those that would take advantage," WPD said.
WPD advised that residents should notify them if any illegal activity is witnessed by calling (775) 623-6396 or (775) 623-6969.
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