Residents are being reminded to practice the “9 p.m. routine” following a series of overnight break-ins in several subdivisions over the last few weeks.
The Hilliard Division of Police has tracked an increase in the number of thefts from cars, thefts of cars and home burglaries in several subdivisions, including Heritage Preserve, Timberbrook and Lakewood.
Sergeant Suzanne Muraco said she believes they are “crimes of opportunity.” In many of the cases, residents left valuable items such as phones, laptops and purses in their vehicles.
“Criminals will break into a car to take anything they can sell — even sunglasses,” she said.
Specifically, residents should ensure their garage door openers are removed from their vehicles to prevent thieves from using the opener to access a garage or even the inside of a home.
Participate in the 9 p.m. routine by setting an alarm to do the following:
• Remove any valuables from your vehicle
• Ensure your vehicle is locked
• Check that your garage door is down
• Lock all doors and windows in your home
Residents with door-bell cameras are asked to “be neighborly” by checking on others, as well as reviewing video footage to look for anything out of the ordinary.
If you believe you may have been a victim, file a police report. HPD can be reached on its non-emergency line at 614-876-7321. Or, file a report online at https://hilliardohio.gov/onlinereporting/
