If you are concerned about residential burglaries in your neighborhood, you do not have to feel powerless to change the situation.  Most residential burglars look for crimes of opportunity.  They pick what appears to be an easy mark.  There are many steps that you can take to keep your home and your neighborhood safe.  The most important step is for you and your neighbors to work together. 

What can you do?

• Never allow people you do not know into your home, such as a door-to-door sales person, a person asking to use the phone or looking for a supposed neighbor.
   
• Always keep your doors and windows locked day and night.
   
• Never leave your garage door open.
   
• Don't have your valuables visible through windows.
   
• Keep ladders locked in the garage.  Burglars can use them for access to otherwise inaccessible second story windows.
   
• Don't forget when going on vacation to hold or to have someone pick up your mail/newspapers.
   
• Don't hide a key outside for visiting friends and relatives.
   
• Don't advertise new gifts or purchases.  Break up the cartons before leaving them at the curb.
   
• Call the police immediately when you see suspicious persons or activities
   
• Get to know the police officers in your area.
   
• If you live in an apartment complex let management know of any problems in the community. 
   
• Start or join a Neighborhood Watch Program

   

If you see a burglar in action, get a good description of the person, their car and tag number.  Write it down and call the police immediately!

If you are Burglarized:

1. Do not enter your house if you return home and find signs that a burglary is taking place or has taken place.  Go to a safe place immediately, such as a neighbor's home and call the police.
2. If you enter into your home and find evidence of a burglary, call the police immediately.  Do not touch anything or move anything around.  Give the police a chance to gather evidence that may have been left.
3. Try to determine what has been taken and prepare a list of stolen items (with serial numbers if possible) to assist police in their investigation.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department
601 East Trade Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202