Home Break-ins on the Rise

A weak economy breeds an increase in criminal activity. The Huntsville Police Department (HPD) and the Huntsville Community Watch Association (HCWA) are trying to get the word out about home break-ins taking place within the City of Huntsville. Similar criminal activity is no doubt taking place outside of Huntsville in the surrounding cities and counties.

Huntsville is reporting that there have been 241 home break-ins between September 30, 2011 to October 31, 2011. People are advised to watch their neighborhoods closely and look for suspicious activity. If you see a stranger backing into a driveway, popping a trunk, and/or wearing a backpack, please contact your local police non-emergency number. In Huntsville city limits, the number to call is 256-722-7100.

Criminals are approaching front doors, ringing door bells or knocking, and if NO answer they are going to the back of the house and kicking in a door to gain access to the home. Common items being stolen include flat screen TVs, laptop computers, and video game systems. These break-ins are occurring between 7:00 AM and 2:00 PM.

If you do see suspicious activity, contact the police and remember to note description information on the people involved (clothing, appearance, race, hair color, gender) and vehicle (color, make/model, tag) if possible.

Unfortunately the upcoming holiday season will most likely intensify criminal activity. Remember to not leave large boxes from new electronics on the street for trash pickup. An empty box from a new flat screen TV only serves as a carrot to a thief canvassing a neighborhood for likely targets.