The Arvada Police Department is reminding residents that spring is not just gardening season, but also a time for crimes of opportunity.
As residents open doors for cleaning and yard work, they are rolling out a red carpet for criminals.
“Leaving your garage door open is an open invitation to crooks looking to steal your property,” the department said in a media release today. “Open garage burglaries are a crime of opportunity resulting in thousands of dollars in losses for Arvada residents each year.”
Last year, there were 89 open-garage burglaries reported in Arvada, which caused thousands of dollars in losses for such items as bikes, golf clubs and tools.
In other cases, thieves also rifled through cars and found wallets, iPods, GPS devices and other valuables, the department reported.
Open garages also sometimes give criminals access to easy access to the insides of homes.
“An Arvada resident reported she had 87 pieces of jewelry taken when someone entered her home through an open garage,” the police department stated in a media release.
“One of the best ways to keep your property safe is to check to ensure your garage door is shut and to always lock the door from your garage to your house.”
Anyone who spots suspicious people in their Arvada neighborhood can call 720-898-6900.
Such non-emergency calls about suspicious activity by alert neighbors has helped police make many arrests, according to the release.
