The Benton Police Department is investigating a string of recent residential burglaries.  There have been twelve daytime burglaries in Benton since October 2009, with six of them being committed within the past three weeks.  

    Detectives are diligently working leads on the cases, but we want to remind citizens about some ways they can help protect themselves from becoming a victim of this type of crime. 

    Most burglaries occur during the daytime when a majority of homeowners are at their job or school.  Burglars will often look for the easiest home to gain access too simply because it is less “work” for them.  If the criminal can find an unlocked door or window it attracts a lot less attention than having to use force to gain access. 

    Unlocked windows are the most common entry point for a burglar.  An open window that is easily accessible is almost an invitation for a criminal and it could be the main reason a burglar selects your home.  You can use anti-lift devices to prevent windows from being able to be lifted out.  These can consist of wooden sticks for horizontal windows and through-the-frame pins for vertical windows.  Always take into consideration though that window blocks should be capable of easy removal from the inside in case of a fire or other emergency. 

    Perhaps one of the best things to help prevent a burglary is to be a good neighbor.  Good neighbors look out for each other and they watch your home for you while you’re away.  You should get to know all of your adjacent neighbors and agree to watch out for each other.  While you’re on vacation they can pick up your newspapers or mail and you can do the same for them.  Starting a Neighborhood Watch Program is a way for your whole neighborhood to help protect each other and your belongings. 

    Home alarm systems deter burglaries because they increase the chance the criminal might be caught.  They also act as a deterrent because most criminals are too scared of taking the chance on committing the crime if they think there might be an alarm.  You have to make sure the alarm system is properly installed, programmed, and maintained for it to be effective.  Signs and stickers in your yard or on windows help convey a message to the criminals that you are protected and maybe they should look elsewhere to commit their crime. 

    In the unfortunate event you were to become a victim it is important to make sure you keep all receipts for expensive items and record all the serial numbers off of them along with the make and model.  You can also take digital photographs of all valuables and store them on a CD or other digital storage device.  Store this in a safety deposit box and with a relative so you always have access to it in case something happens to your home. 

    If you get any large gifts that come in big boxes you should also consider how you dispose of the box.  A large LCD TV box sitting by the end of your driveway is just announcing what you have in your home.  Consider cutting the box up so that it fits into your trash container and doesn’t become a billboard for your belongings.

    The Benton Police Department would like for anyone with any information regarding these burglaries to please contact them at 501-778-1171 or 501-315-TIPS. 
Please do not hesitate to contact the police department if you see anything suspicious or out of the ordinary.