SCOTT COUNTY SHERIFF PROVIDES ADVICE ON BURGLARY PREVENTION

BENTON - Although the number of season burglaries is down this year from last, Scott County Sheriff Bill Ferrell suggests residents take several burglary precautions.

Ferrell said an unfortunate aspect of the Christmas season is an increase in home burglaries.

Many of the burglaries, he said, occur when a thief goes to a rural residence and knocks on the door. If the burglar receives no reply, he then gains entry by forcing open a door that is not visible from the road, he said.

To combat burglaries, regular and reserve deputies have increased their patrols in rural areas, said the sheriff's department.

The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department's chief deputy, Leonard Hines, said the county had seen no holiday season increase in burglaries either. The same came from Cape Girardeau Police Sgt. Carl Kinnison.

"There hasn't been a series of burglaries this month, so we're probably looking pretty good," Kinnison said. "We're certainly not seeing an increase."

The latest month for which Cape Girardeau burglary figures were available, November, showed 17 burglaries, compared with 31 in November 1990.

The Scott County Sheriff's Department said residents can assist their effort by reporting any vehicles that do not appear to belong in the area and which are driving slowly. They should also report strangers who come to the door and ask for someone who does not live in the area, or who have no good reason for being there, the department said.

Residents should also try to vary their routine by not leaving home by the same route or at the same time each morning. If possible, residents should stop by their home during the day or have a neighbor check to see that everything is all right.

If possible, property should also not be left unattended for long periods. If all family members must be away from the home at the same time, a neighbor should be asked to note any suspicious activity.

Good locks should be maintained on windows and doors, said the department, and keys should be taken out of vehicles and farm machinery when not in use. Any suspicious activity should be reported at 545-3525 or 471-3530.