Salisbury Police advise public to harden the target amid recent string of burglaries

SALISBURY, Md. – Salisbury Police are warning area businesses and homeowners amid a small uptick in recent burglaries.

Burglaries, Theft Uptick in Holiday Months

Police Chief David Meienschein says the city has seen a 16 percent decrease in such crime since last year.

However, he added that while the holiday season is about giving for most, it’s also a season of taking for opportunists.

Preventing Burglaries at Your Business and Home

Chief Meienschein said that ensuring properties are well-lit could be their first line of defense.

“Folks who tend to commit these types of crimes would prefer it to be dark. It helps them disguise their efforts in what they’re trying to do,” Chief Meienschein said.

Businesses and homeowners should also consider investing in camera and alarm systems if they haven’t already, Chief Meienschein added. And if you do catch a criminal on camera, the chief said you should share that footage with investigators.

“What we find in a lot of cases is folks that have alarm systems, or they have camera systems, but they’re not recording or they’re not operating,” Chief Meienschein said.

If you deal in expensive goods, Chief Meienschein advised you not to leave high-value items in view. Cash registers should remain empty and open when businesses are closed, the chief added, and any cash on premises should be regularly deposited in the bank.

Don’t Make Your Vehicle a Target

Some of that same advice applies to vehicle owners, said Chief Meienschein.

The easiest way to prevent a break-in, the chief said, is to harden the target. That is, make sure doors and windows are locked, and valuables are not left behind.

“Most folks that are committing these types of crimes are looking for an opportunity. They’re not really looking for anything difficult… if someone really wants [something] they’ll break a window or something to go in and get it,” Chief Meienschein said.

Report Crimes

Chief Meienschein encouraged anyone who notices suspicious activity around their vehicle, home or business to call the police immediately. That advice also applies to those who have already become victims of crime.

To reach the Salisbury Police Department’s non-emergency line, call 410-548-3165. Crimes can also be reported online by clicking here.