Alert from the Island County Sherrif's Office

Citizens of Island County:

We have recently experienced a rash of predominately daytime burglaries in the North Whidbey Island area. The common theme involves someone knocking on the front door and (if no one answers) then access is made into the home, either through an unlocked door or somewhere else that ease of entry can be made. Generally speaking the burglars are taking small things of value such as jewelry, cash, silver and/or gold items. Fencing or otherwise selling this type of product can be done easier than larger, more cumbersome merchandise. The time it takes to ransack a home is also reduced when thieves target smaller, potentially more valuable items. The homes that are especially vulnerable to this type of crime are those that are somewhat isolated from view of nearby neighbors and have limited security.

Please ensure that your homes are properly locked and also that items like loose jewelry are placed away in secure areas of your residence. Also be sure to report suspicious activity in and around your homes; activity like someone knocking on doors with no apparent reason or otherwise trying to get information that seems peculiar or threatening. Getting together with neighbors that you trust and having them assist in watching over your home when you are not there is always a good idea. Forming neighborhood watch groups is another step that can be taken to prevent becoming a victim of crime.

Thanks and as always, BE SAFE!