Here is a crime report from our SPD Crime Prevention Coordinator, Terrie Johnston:
Residential Burglaries are occurring with more frequency in the Lincoln Sector of the North Precinct (Pinehurst; Lake City Way; Maple Leaf; View Ridge; Wedgwood; Ravenna/Bryant, et al) The precinct commanders are aware, and are staffing accordingly. Our Burglary Theft detectives are proactively working leads, and are also out in the field. Please take a moment to review some basic burglary prevention measures:
Most of the burglaries are occurring during daytime hours (from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.). If you are home, and someone knocks on your door, please answer the door, don’t open it. There is a difference. Since many criminals are looking for houses w/no one home, it is important to let them know someone is there!
If you have a home office, or a room with big screen TVs and computers that can be seen from the street, close the curtains/blinds in those areas when you are gone. Electronics, jewelry, and small portable items are popular.
Lock up your ladders; or store them in a garage. Use motion-sensitive lighting when appropriate.
Can first responders find your address? Seconds matter when you’ve called 9-1-1, so help us out.
We still like front porch lights on from dusk until dawn. Use the locks and latches you have, even if you are only going to be gone for a little while.
Please report anything suspicious to 911. Most burglars are apprehended by a watchful neighbor (your best alarm) who called 9-1-1 with good descriptions.
Remember 911 is not just for emergencies anymore. See something, say something!
Remember to keep your Block Watches active and I can assist you with this. If you want a free home security survey, contact me (206-684-7711 or Terrie.Johnston@seattle.gov )
On the advice of our local Crime Prevention Coordinator I have not been opening the door except in certain circumstances.
We’ve also modified our foliage so we can see the doorstep from either front-facing window.
I have yet to have a conversation with someone on the other side of the door last beyond two sentences.
One man unknown to me gave his name and said he’d like to talk to me. I said “go ahead,” and heard nothing for awhile, then decided to go take a shower.
In a second incident another man whom I did not know also gave his name and he came bearing gifts.
“Like what?” I asked. “Clorox wipes,” he responded. I already had some wipes so I didn’t answer the door. And yes, I checked here to see if anyone reported a similar occurrence.
There must be some unspoken rule that people don’t “go into their dance” until the door is opened. I have a NO SOLICITING sign by the door.
I wasn’t always this paranoid, but awhile back someone came to the door and could not properly identify himself nor give a solid reason for being at my door, as if I surprised him. My Pinehurst Seattle blog post garnered comments of similar experiences and matching descriptions of the person.
A couple years ago the doorbell rang at 11:30 pm when I was in bed, with no lights on. I asked through the door who it was. He said his name. I asked what he wanted. He said he was looking for an address. I asked for the address. Silence. I told him I couldn’t help him if he didn’t give me an address. He grunted and walked away. Scary.
Creepy!
Why should we leave front lights on? Is it to illuminate our house numbers or for some other reason?
Thanks.
I think it’s so robbers don’t have the cover of dark.
This afternoon someone knocked loudly on my door. By the time I had restrained my dogs to open it, he was halfway down my drive. I asked if I could help him at all and he said he was selling meat at $3 a cut. I said no thanks, I was happy with my shopping and he seemed really offended. He was driving a black pickup with a white canopy on the back with some kind of lettering, but he was parked too far away to see it properly. He was maybe 5’8″ or therabouts, and stocky, either Italian or Hispanic looking. I could have sworn that someone like that was reported on this blog last year but couldn’t find the post. Anyway, folks in Pinehurst, watch out for this. I wish I had taken the license plate number.
I’m really grateful for these crime reports. Very helpful and good reminders that remaining vigilant is really worth it and not just paranoid behavior 🙂