Bartlesville police warn of increase in home burglaries, offer prevention tips

BARTLESVILLE, Okla. - Due to an increase in home burglaries, Bartlesville police are encouraging area residents ensure their homes and possessions are secure.

According to Bartlesville Police Captain Jay Hastings, the police department in the last three months has seen an increase in residential burglaries. The average of five to six burglaries per month in some areas starting in May has increased to nine or ten reported burglaries each month — specifically in the Oak Park community of Bartlesville.

Hastings said the burglars, striking during the daytime hours while residents are not home, have been taking such items as jewelry, lap top computers, coins and firearms. They usually will be in and out of the home within five minutes.

The Bartlesville Police Department recommends in order to avoid becoming a victim of burglary, residents should:
 

• Communicate with their neighbors.
• Be alert to individuals acting suspicious in the neighborhoods ringing door bells or knocking on doors just to see if someone is home.
• Exchange cell phone numbers with your neighbors.
• Cover garage windows, preventing people from checking to see if there is a car in the garage.
• Daily collect newspapers and mail or have a neighbor collect them if going out of town.
• Keep bushes and trees trimmed in order to allow a clear view of windows and doors.
• Turn off exterior lights during the day.
• Leave a radio on during the day while away.
• Consider installing a home alarm system.

Police urge residents that if they think their home has been burglarized, they should contact police immediately and should not enter the home.

Additionally, they ask that anyone bearing any information concerning these crimes as well as others to contact the Bartlesville Police Department Detective Division at 918-338-4015 or 918-336-2583(CLUE).