Overall, the crime rate in Santa Clarita is pretty low. Unlike other areas in and around Los Angeles County, residents can walk the streets pretty much anywhere in the valley without fear of experiencing gang-related crimes, pick-pocketing, etc.
However, 2013 has seen the occurrence of burglaries rise in the SCV.
According to FBI data, burglaries in Santa Clarita Valley were up 16.53% in 2013 as opposed to 2012 numbers. While this is a pretty sharp increase, it doesn’t necessarily mean that the area itself is taking a turn for the worse. Burglaries, like many thefts, are often crimes of opportunity.
The days of professional burglars casing the homes of opulent residents, planning their heist, and ultimately breaking in and fencing the goods with which they absconded are fading fast.
The new type of burglar is one who will typically search for the easiest, quickest, most convenient home to rob and be content with whatever they end up finding – even if it’s just a few dollars or someone’s purse.
The SCV Sheriff’s Station deputies can’t be everywhere all the time, and that’s why it’s so difficult to catch these quick, in-and-out burglars. They often break in, grab a few things and disappear before anyone even knows anything has happened. What can be done, though, is that residents can take a few steps to make their personal homes less inviting to the would-be burglars.
- Don’t leave doors, garages or windows open or unlocked, even if you’re going to be home. Showing what you’ve got inside your house can give thieves an incentive to come back later and take something.
- If you’re going to be away for an extended period of time, don’t make it obvious. Have a neighbor pick up your newspaper every day and get automatic timers for your lights. Nothing says “nobody’s home” like a pile of newspapers on the doorstep and a porch light on during the day.
- Work with your neighbors and notify each other when suspicious characters are lurking around. The guy poking around your neighbor’s bushes may be the meter-reader, or he may be an enterprising young thief looking to make a score.
If you want additional information on how you can keep you and your family safe, you can always contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff Station at 661-255-1121 for more tips.
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