For Immediate Release
Contact: Sgt. Chris Clayton at 919-773-6077 or 919-427-3800

The Garner Police Department has experienced a recent increase in unoccupied home burglaries, especially those where the residents are on vacation.  We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some steps you can take to make your home safer during this vacation season.  First, please make sure you home has the appearance that someone is there even if you are away.  This step includes having inside/outside lights on timers and stopping the mail/paper.  Residents should also have someone check on their property on a regular basis while away from home.  The Garner Police Department offers a "house check" service where residents can notify us with basic information about their travel plans and an officer will go by the home as time permits.  This service does not take the place of someone you know personally checking on your property.  There are also additional crime prevention tips for home security at http://garnerpd.org/tips/home_security.htm.  Finally residents are reminded to call 911 and report anything suspicious in their neighborhoods.

Residents who live within the city limits should receive telephone notification of this crime alert and a previous one on unlocked car break-ins through Wake County Emergency Management's "Communicator."