With More than 50 Burglaries Since November, Iowa City Police Offer Reward, Safety Advice

Iowa City Police Sgt. Denise Brotherton says that it's no accident when a string of burglaries happen in the same location.

Just like any other professional, burglars know the tricks of the trade, the right vulnerabilities to exploit.

"What (the police) know, the burglars also know," Brotherton said.

She said this is why the police have been taking action to help lower the number of burglaries after there have been more 50 than burglaries reported since November. The police have added more patrols, and arrested 12 suspects in relation to burglary crimes, according to a release, but the burglaries continue.

Now, in addition to previous steps, police are offering $1,000 for information that could lead to the apprehension of these burglars. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact Iowa City CrimeStoppers at 358-TIPS (8477). Informants are confidential, and the identity of the informant does not have to be revealed to collect a reward.

Brotherton said the police expect there could be more reports as students return to find items missing next week. She said the burglaries have been numerous where there have been a high density of students living off campus, such as the large downtown apartment buildings, as well as businesses and residences along First Avenue and near the .

Brotherton said that even though these are areas that have historically had problems, the police are targeting the burglaries in attempt to reduce them.

"50 is a number that we don't want to see, even if it's a normal number," Brotherton said.

Brotherton said the burglars may be targeting students between the large numbers of people allows them to blend in, while the tendency of students to be gone at late hours and keep their doors unlocked for roommates provides the burglars with an easy access point.

"They know all they have to is go through the buildings and jiggle handles," she said.

Chief among the items stolen, she said, are laptops and other electronics. Students again may be targets because the burglars know they are more likely to have these items.

Here are tips from the police to prevent burglaries:

- Have good locks on all doors and windows and use them.
- Make sure your residence looks lived in, not empty.
- Leave shades and blinds in a normal position.
- Ask a neighbor to watch your residence while you are away.
- Leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor.
- Test your smoke and burglar alarms.
- Stop all deliveries.
- Arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspaper and packages.
- Arrange for someone to maintain your yard to give the home a lived-in look.
- Have a neighbor place garbage cans at the curb on your normal day.
- Plug in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and off.
- Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low.
- Don't announce your absence on answering machine message.
- Close and lock garage doors and windows.
- Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway.
- Consider taking valuables to a bank safety deposit box.
- Call in suspicious activity to the police.
- Ask the Iowa City Police to place your home on their house watch list.