SAFFE officers keeping residents safe from burglars, offer homeowners advice

Officers recommend using Nextdoor to know about community on goings

SAN ANTONIO – As the school year gets underway, the threat of residential burglaries increases.

"The reason for that is people who are going back to school or parents that are going to work. Nobody’s on vacation and the burglars become more comfortable (knowing) that no one is going to be at home," said San Antonio San Antonio Fear Free Environment (SAFFE) Officer Scott Boehm.

Securing your home is a top priority, and it starts with the front door, according to Boehm.

"The door's fine. You got a good solid dead bolt lock on there," Boehm said.

The San Antonio Police Department said most burglaries happen between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Boehm said an alarm system is vital. He also suggest a four-legged companion to keep watch while you're away.

"If you have a dog, that’s great. The bigger, the better," he said.

Boehm is asking homeowners to make it hard on criminals. He said It's usually enough to keep them away.

"The best thing to do would be to keep items away that they could break your windows with, because they’re not going to come prepared usually," Boehm said.

Communication between neighbors is key in stopping burglaries or identifying burglars and criminals who don't belong in the neighborhood. Boehm encourages everyone to join Nextdoor. It's a website to keep you in know about your community.

SAFFE officers also use the site the pass along important information to residents.

You can find SAFFE officers at each of the six substations around the city. Each officer is assigned to different part of town, and they are responsible for those communities.

"We actually do a home security survey, where we will come out, the SAFFE unit, and look at your house and give you advice on what type locks to get, what type of security system, what to do with your shrubs," Boehm said.

Securing your home won't always stop a burglar, but it will deter them. It also helps keep your valuables safe and your sense of security intact.

To find out more about SAFFE officers or get in touch with yours, visit http://www.sanantonio.gov/sapd/SAFFE.aspx


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