It's not just the front door that needs locking
Open garages are a target for crooks

IRIS SMOOT/Acorn Newspapers COME ON IN- Unlocked garage doors, like the one shown above, make it much easier for burglars to enter and exit your home unnoticed.

The Simi Valley Police Department reminds residents to keep their garage doors closed and locked when not in use. An open garage door is an invitation to a criminal.

Thefts from garages with open doors are a common occurrence.

If a family is inside the home, a burglar can easily enter an open garage, remove property and leave the area undetected.

Property crime is the largest contributor to Simi Valley crime statistics.

All residents can have a positive impact on property crime by securing their homes, including garage doors.

Residents who are unable to park their vehicles inside a garage are urged to remove valuable property or place it out of sight and lock the vehicle's doors.

For more crime prevention tips, call Vicki Kaplan at the Crime Prevention Unit, (805) 583-6908.