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Crime & Safety

Neighborhood Watch: 16 Break-ins in Albany Since April

Most residential burglars are caught because of alert neighbors who report suspicious activity quickly.

Police reported this weekend that Albany residents should be on alert after a recent spate of home break-ins. 

Sixteen Albany residences have been burglarized since April 1. Several burglars forced their way in via a rear door, and others came in through unlocked or unsecured doors.

No particular neighborhood has been the focus of these burglaries.

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During April, neighboring cities experienced higher than normal numbers of daytime "door kick" residential burglaries, with high value electronics targeted by suspects, according to Lt. Dan Adams of the Albany Police Department.

Several thefts involved a ruse: one group of suspects asked to get a drink of water for a child, and another demonstrated vacuums for door-to-door sales, then stole valuables while the resident was distracted.

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These crimes usually have happened during the day, though a few have been reported in the late afternoon and early evening. 

Burglars are targeting unoccupied homes. Often they knock or ring the doorbell to see if anyone is home. If someone answers, the burglar leaves after telling a story about why he or she knocked.

If there is no answer, the burglar will assume the home is empty. The thief then usually makes his or her way behind the house to check for open windows or doors. Cash, jewelry, high value electronics and small items are typically taken.

There is very little noise associated with this type of crime, Adams said.  

The best protection to know your neighbors and report suspicious circumstances, say police. Here are some other tips:

  • Be wary of strangers at your door who ask to use the phone or bathroom, or to get a drink
  • Doors and windows should be locked when you are away
  • Communicate and coordinate with neighbors if you are traveling
  • Take advantage of the free vacant home watch service offered by the police department when you are going out of town

Police say residents should be alert to anything suspicious in your neighborhood and notify the police immediately  if you suspect criminal activity or observe something suspicious. A delay of even one minute can make the difference, Adams said.

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