CLEARLAKE >> A rash of car burglaries and vandalism incidents in Clearlake this past week is normal business for the Clearlake Police Department (CPD), but as the holidays approach, burglaries are expected to go up as shoppers go from store to store and keep their loved-ones” presents in obvious view of thieves.
In the last week, the CPD has received at least four reports of car vandalism and/or burglary, according to its logs. But Sargent Nick Bennet of the CPD”s investigation department said the incidents have been relatively steady throughout Clearlake.
“It”s something that unfortunately happens on a fairly regular basis no matter where you are,” Bennett said.
He also said he hasn”t noticed a pattern of car break-ins in a specific area lately but that oftentimes a burglar will target one particular area for an amount of time, whether that be where the person lives or an area they frequent.
When CPD does notice car burglaries are being concentrated in an area, the department will step up its patrol in the neighborhood and often times will be successful in making in arrest, Bennett said.
Bennett recommends that in neighborhoods, people should park their cars in safe, secure places and under good lighting conditions if possible. Car alarms and motion-activated lighting on properties are also recommended.
“Be aware of what”s going on in your neighborhood and listen to the neighbor”s or your dog”s barking to let you know if a stranger is in the area,” Bennett added.
During the holiday season, as residents are crossing gifts off their list, he recommends shoppers never leave their purchases in plain sight in their cars but to lock them up in the trunk. Even covering gifts with a jacket or blanket in the backseat can be obvious to thieves and people should be conscious of anyone watching them put their purchases in their trunks, he said.
