Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office saw an increase of residential and vehicle burglaries in some of the neighborhoods south of Reno during the month of November. All of these burglaries involved vehicles and doors that were left unlocked.

Based on data from previous year's, the Sheriff's Office anticipates this type of criminal activity to increase as the holidays approach and would like to remind residents throughout Washoe County that now is the time to make a resolution that will help to protect your vehicles, homes and valuables.

The resolution: Lock Your Doors!

Criminals look for opportunity and taking preventative safety measures may help in mitigating your chances of becoming a victim. Additional steps residents may take to protect themselves from crimes that typically occur during the holiday and winter months include:

• Do not leave items in plain view in your vehicle.
• If parking outside, remove your garage door opener from your vehicle.
• If parking in the driveway, leave your outdoor lights on.
• Do not leave residential keys ‘hidden' in your yard.
• Don't leave your vehicle warming up in the drive way unattended.
• Report any suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

The Sheriff's Office "Take ConTRoL," crime prevention campaign is another way for residents to easily remember four key messages that help prevent vehicle burglaries:

C - Clean it Out: remove valuables from your vehicle

T - Take your keys with you. Never leave your car running

R - Report suspicious activity or crimes to the proper authorities as soon as possible

L - Lock your doors every time.

Additional safety information is available from the "Staying Safe" page at WashoeSheriff.com. For updates on public safety trends from the Sheriff's Office year round, residents may:

• "like" the Washoe County Sheriff's Office on Facebook
• "follow" @WashoeSheriff on Twitter
• sign up for the Sheriff's monthly Community Partnership Connection e-newsletter at WashoeSheriff.com.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

Attached audio files...

Download this audio file - (Lock your doors, a message worth repeating! - 1 MB mp3)