The City of Renton Police Department, like other police agencies in the region, has increased police patrols in neighborhoods because of a dramatic increase in residential burglaries.

Burglaries have occurred in various cities across King County and are not localized to any one specific area or neighborhood, according to a City of Renton news release. A significant number of residential burglaries occur during the day when families are at work.

“These burglaries are very concerning,” said Mayor Denis Law. “We’ve increased police patrols in our neighborhoods and are offering homeowners a free security survey by city staff. But it’s important that the public call 911 immediately if they see any suspicious activity in their neighborhood.”

Suspicious activity could be someone prowling around the parking lot, walking back and forth in front of a particular home, or simply somebody loitering outside without an obvious direction of travel, according to the city.

A common tactic for burglars is to approach a home and if nobody responds to their knocking or bell-ringing, burglars will force open the door or go around to a more isolated location to gain entry. Call 911 even if unsure whether something is afoot.

The Renton Police Department is also offering free security surveys to Renton residents. During the security survey, a crime prevention program coordinator provides information on the most likely risks for residents and how to minimize those; how burglars operate and how simple preventive methods can help prevent a break-in; insight to the appropriate use of alarms, and other prevention techniques and explain how these should be integrated to provide an effective security strategy.

To schedule a security survey of a home, contact Cyndie Parks at cparks@rentonwa.gov, or call 425-430-7521.

Tips to protect your home

Here are some basic tips to help make your home more secure against burglars:

• Deadbolts: Install a deadbolt and secure the strikeplate (metal plate that houses the bolt) with at least 3” screws that penetrate the stud frame around your door.

• Windows/Sliders: Place dowels (wooden sticks) flush in the track of all your sliding windows and sliding glass doors. Close the blinds or curtains, or make sure valuable items are out of view.

• Security Film: For vulnerable windows and glass doors attach security film to the glass. Security film is a thin polyester sheet that when properly attached to a glass door or window can make the glass up to 300 percent stronger.

• Landscaping: Foliage should be kept thinned and cut back away from windows, doors, and patios/porches.

• Alarms: It’s less common for burglars to target homes where there is an alarm. An alarm increases the risk for burglars to be seen by someone and/or possibly arrested.