March 29, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

LAPD: Do Not Be A Victim Of Hot Prowl Burglaries

The Pacific Division of the Los Angeles Police Dept. (LAPD), whose beat includes Venice, issued an advisory this week of how to prevent being a victim of “hot prowl burglaries.”

Below is the full LAPD advisory.

Hot Prowl Burglaries are increasing. What can you do to prevent from being a victim. Follow these tips:

What is a Hot Prowl Burglary? A Hot Prowl is when a burglary is committed but the resident is home. Most burglars target homes they believe are unoccupied, and are not looking for confrontation. Confrontation increases the danger for both parties and most times the thief would just like to take your property and run.

A major contributing factor to most Hot Prowl burglaries is that the victim’s home was left open, unsecured, or unlocked. Burglars have told us that they look for open or unlocked doors or windows and that most times they can find them.

Leaving windows or doors unlocked and open while you sleep is even more dangerous because your home will most likely appear to be unoccupied and dark. You are also more likely to be less aware and able to react when woken up. A burglar may think they have found a good target, which looks like no one is home but the simple theft of property can become much worse when a thief startles you awake in your home.

Here are some tools and strategies to protect your home and family:

1. Lock and secure windows and doors – Close all windows in rooms that you cannot monitor (sleeping). If you must leave a window open to stay cool, only leave windows open in the room you occupy. Use secondary window locks like dowels, or pins.

2. Use an Audible Alarm – In many cases would be burglars are scared off by audible alarms. Zones can set new systems so the alarm can be turned on for part of the home you are not occupying, while it remains off for the zone that you are in. A less expensive alternative are personal alarms, which are powered by batteries. They can be purchased at home improvement stores. Set up these alarms on windows or doors to alert you of intruders. Some of these can be as loud as a standard alarm.

3. Make it appear that you are home – This will help to deter thieves. You can leave your television or radio on. Leave lights on. Leave blinds partially open. If someone knocks on your door answer it through the door without opening it. This way possible burglars know your home.

4. Do not leave valuables visible in your home – Valuables left visible from outside your home are targets for thieves. Items like laptops, iPads, smartphones, wallets, money, jewelry, and car keys are prime targets.

If you suspect someone is in your home immediately make him or her aware that you know they are there. Screaming or yelling loudly will also alert your neighbors to a problem. Next immediately call 9-1-1. If you can, provide a description of the suspect and the suspect’s last known direction, only if it is safe to do so.

For more information please follow LAPD Pacific Division on social media:
Facebook-www.facebook.com/lapdpacificdivision
Twitter- @LAPDPacific

in Opinion
Related Posts

New Program Can Help Protect Southern California Homes in the Event of an Earthquake

May 13, 2023

May 13, 2023

Residents Have Until May 31 To Apply For Seismic Retrofit Grants By Janiele Maffei, Chief Mitigation Officer for the California...

Venice Shorts: Tree Trimming Underway Thanks to the Vsa!

April 28, 2023

April 28, 2023

VSA Has Taken up the Task of Trimming Italian Stone Pine Trees. By Nick Antonicello Following the recent toppling of...

Venice Stakeholders Association’s Comments on Traci Park’s Broken Bridge Housing Promise

April 24, 2023

April 24, 2023

By Marc Ryavec I have been struggling with how to address the phenomenon that someone I and many others in...

Column: Tired OF Declinists? Some Enduring New California Positives

April 18, 2023

April 18, 2023

By Thomas D. Elias California has taken a beating lately, with (mostly Republican) governors of other states blasting many aspects...

Venice Shorts: The South Venice Blvd Encampment, Is It a Candidate for a City Cleanup?

April 14, 2023

April 14, 2023

One of the last of the large encampments closest to the beach, Venetians are hopeful help is on the way!...

Venice Shorts: Averill Defeats Tyminski 63%-37% to Become President of Venice Neighborhood Council

April 3, 2023

April 3, 2023

In second bid for top spot, surfer/photographer Brian Averill coasts to an easy win against Venice attorney and outgoing Vice-President...

Column: Install at LAX Tiny Homes From The State Grant

March 31, 2023

March 31, 2023

By Clark Brown On March 16  Governor Newsom announced in Sacramento, his first stop on his State of the State of...

Venice Shorts: Night & Day – Flower & Lincoln Transformed, Back in Business

March 28, 2023

March 28, 2023

By Nick Antonicello In what was a Venice eyesore just a few months ago has been transformed into a place...

Opinion: Please Vote for Daffodil Tyminski

March 25, 2023

March 25, 2023

This is Tom Williams, your neighbor at 1011 Main Street.  With the upcoming VNC election this Sunday, I wanted to reach...

Venice Shorts: Popular Local Jim Robb Seeks Vp Slot, Endorses Brian Averill for President of the VNC!

March 23, 2023

March 23, 2023

By Nick Antonicello  VENICE – In a twist of events longtime Community Officer Jim Robb will now be seeking the...

Venice Shorts: Tabor Family Legacy Amara Hordt Seeks Seat on VNC This Sunday!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

Local realtor looks to follow a family legacy of engaged community involvement here in Venice By Nick Antonicello VENICE –...

Venice Shorts: Erica Moore, A Cheerleader For Venice In Her Run For Community Officer!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – Local caterer Erica Moore is making a second run for the Venice Neighborhood Council, but...

Venice Shorts: Running Unopposed, Nico Ruderman’s Deep Dive Into Politics and Government Continues!

March 22, 2023

March 22, 2023

By Nick Antonicello VENICE – It has been an interesting two years of political action, involvement and advocacy for Nico...

Venice Shorts: “V” for Venice Volunteer

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Media professional, local business owner and Dad, Eric Alan Donaldson is defined by his volunteerism and love of Venice. By...

Deborah Keaton, a Consensus Building Candidate for VNC Community Officer!

March 20, 2023

March 20, 2023

Creative director, global brander and private business owner seeks a general consensus on what’s best for Venice moving forward.  By...