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June 25, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Both nationally and locally, experts agree we are facing a significant shift in the economy.  When the economy moves into a slowdown, residents have a tougher time meeting week-to-week and month-to-month bills, therefore causing a rise in theft.  The Washington County Sheriff’s Office recognizes the rise in theft locally, so we are asking residents to be proactive in protecting their personal property.  “We want the members of our community to know that we are noticing more and more trailer thefts, home burglaries, and gas thefts, just to name a few,” states Sheriff Haddock.  “Our officers have received reports of residents leaving a boat landing and returning to find both boat trailer and their vehicle’s gas gone.  Our deputies will continue to be proactive while on patrol, despite drastic budget cuts and we will continue to do everything necessary to protect our community.”

So what can residents do to protect their homes?

1.       Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened.

2.      Secure sliding glass doors.

3.      Always lock the door to an attached garage.

4.      Create the illusion that you are home.

5.      Keep the perimeter of your home well lighted.

6.      Never leave clues that you are away on a trip.

7.      Keep some shades and blinds up and curtains open to maintain a normal, everyday appearance in your residence.

8.      Never leave a message on your telephone answering machine telling people that you are away from home.

9.      Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways.

10. Keep a list of serial numbers for firearms, equipment, etc.

11. If possible, photograph all valuables including firearms, jewelry, coins, etc.

12. Organize a neighborhood watch program to protect your neighborhood. An alert community is a safe community.  Washington County Sheriff’s Office has neighborhood watches active in the following neighborhoods: Sunny Hills, Orange Hill, Ebro, Wausau , Five Points, Leisure Lakes , Hammond Lake , and Vernon .  If you are interested in organizing one in your community, contact us at 638-6122.

So what can a resident do to prevent gas theft?

Buy a gas lock.  You can usually get one for as little as $20 bucks, which is less than the cost of a full tank of gas.

Park your car in a locked garage.
If you can, park you car in a locked garage at work, home and the mall. Thieves don't like to work hard for small pay offs, so they'll get their free gas from cars that are easy to get to.

Don't let people who aren't gas attendants pump your gas.
A big trick that gas thieves do is to pose as good neighbors at the pump. They offer to pay for your gas while you go inside the gas station. Unfortunately, when you return, your gas tank is still empty and the thief has another tank of free gas.

So what can a resident do to prevent trailer theft?

1.      Purchase a trailer hitch lock

2.      Inscribe the serial number in a place that is not visible

3.      Keep trailer in a lighted area and if at all possible, within sight of your home

If you have any information concerning a theft, please contact the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 850-638-6111.  If callers wish stay anonymous you can report information to our tips line at 850-638-TIPS.