Dexter police step up patrols in response to rash of break-ins

DEXTER, Mo. — A recent rash of home burglaries and break-ins has prompted Dexter Police Chief Paul Haubold to take action and provide a vigilant watch over neighborhoods in the city.

"We are making every effort to protect residents against these thieves," Haubold says, "and we just want to put the word out there for residents to take every precaution to divert potential burglars from entering their property."

There are several ways to do this, Haubold says, and the most obvious would be to have secure locks on all entrance doors and to use them at all times. Another precaution, says the chief, is to install motion lights near any door that may be inviting to potential thieves.

An alarm system is always recommended, but for residents without the luxury of a home alarm system, another idea is a common sense recommendation that costs absolutely nothing.

Nearly all vehicle keys are equipped with a panic alarm button. Haubold recommends keeping those keys on a bedside table and pushing the alarm button if a resident believes that an intruder is in the vicinity of their home.

Several incidents of thefts from parked vehicles have also been reported to the local police, and so Haubold also advises residents to be sure to lock their vehicles not just overnight, but also as they leave them to enter a store or a friend's home.

Another suggestion provides a little extra assurance to residents with patio doors, specifically the type that slide to open.

"Even though these doors have a locking device, it's not a bad idea to place a wooden dowel or even a short metal post, between the door casing and the door that slides, making it virtually impossible for intruders to slide open."

With Christmas presents, including expensive electronics and games, under Christmas trees, thieves are casing homes and watching for homes whose residents appear to be on vacation or even gone from the house for a short time, the chief explains.

"It doesn't take a burglar long to gain entry and load up gifts and flee the area, so residents should be warned to keep their doors locked and dead-bolted, even if they are just running a brief errand."

Haubold adds one more precaution for residents to take as they shop during the holiday season. He cautions shoppers to place purchased items in their vehicle trunk or at least concealed in the vehicle to deter thieves from breaking into their vehicles.

"When electronics and gifts are visible from the outside of the vehicle, it serves as an invitation for thieves to break into the vehicle and steal whatever they see, Haubold warns.

Dexter Police officers will be canvassing city streets in greater numbers than usual in the coming days before Christmas, on the lookout for any suspicious activity. Residents can help them, says Haubold, by reporting any suspicious characters in their neighborhoods and by taking extra precautions this holiday season.