KPD urges residents to lock doors

The Kingsport Police Department is urging area residents to please lock your doors. There has been a recent surge of burglaries and auto burglaries in the area, and in the vast majority of cases, the burglarized property has been left unlocked by the victim, giving the suspect(s) easy access to the property and the valuables within. This is not a new trend, and this is not the first time the Kingsport Police Department has issued this warning.

There are two simple crime prevention tips that if habitually followed will significantly decrease your chances of becoming a victim of a burglary or an auto burglary: #1 Lock your doors. #2 Keep your valuables out of sight. Following these recommendations is even more critical during the current holiday season. Many burglaries and auto burglaries are simply crimes of opportunity. Don’t tempt a thief by leaving your doors unlocked and/or flaunting your valuables in plain view.

Typical items left in vehicles that draw the attention of thieves include, but are not limited to the following:‚  Expensive aftermarket car stereos, portable satellite radios, radar detectors, GPSs, laptop computers and tablets, purses, briefcases, prescription medicine containers and pharmacy bags (even if empty), and shopping bags.‚  And remember, just because you don’t consider something valuable, does not necessarily mean that a thief won’t.

The Kingsport Police Department is also requesting the help of area residents to help us catch these criminals. The chances of crimes being committed while police officers are present and watching are slim. An essential element of the Neighborhood Watch concept is for law abiding citizens to be extra sets of eyes and ears for the police. We encourage citizens to be on the lookout for suspicious and criminal activity and promptly report it to law enforcement. Be a good witness, but do not try to apprehend criminals yourself. Please help us to better help you.