May 15, 2012 > Tips to prevent residential burglaries Tips to prevent residential burglaries Submitted By Sgt. Kevin Corvin, Milpitas PD Many cities throughout the state have experienced an increase in residential burglaries. The City of Milpitas has also experienced numerous burglaries to not only single family residences, but also apartments and condominiums. Several of the burglaries occurred after residents failed to lock or even close doors, windows or side gates. Milpitas Police Department reminds residents to take precautions to reduce the likelihood a burglar will strike. Please follow these crime prevention tips: * Always lock all doors and windows when leaving home - even if only for a short time * Keep all windows and doors closed and locked even if at home and especially at night * Keep garage door closed and locked * Keep side gates locked at all times * Install and use deadbolt locks on exterior doors * Install and use a burglar alarm and/or surveillance cameras * Put an alarm sign in a prominent location in front of the residence * Install motion activated exterior lighting * Get to know your neighbors and their associated vehicles * Join or start a Neighborhood Watch program * IMMEDIATELY report ANY suspicious activities to the Milpitas Police Department Milpitas Police Department relies on the public to report suspicious activity in their neighborhoods, so we can work together in combating residential burglaries. Anyone with information regarding incidents or criminal activity occurring in the City of Milpitas is encouraged to call the Milpitas Police Department at (408) 586-2400. Information can also be given anonymously by calling (408) 586-2500, or via the Milpitas Police Department website at http://www.ci.milpitas.ca.gov/citydept/police