Home Burglaries See Uptick in Recent Weeks

Several home burglaries have been reported in Shaker Heights over the past couple of weeks, and some have been crimes of opportunity, with unlocked doors or windows giving unwanted guests a way in.

Just in the past week, several home burglaries have been reported and at least three were at unsecured homes.

On Nov. 11, an unlocked door of a Laureldale Road home allowed a burglar to take an iPad and a laptop. On the 14th, a burglar found an unlocked window at a Winslow Road residence and stole a video game system, a digital camera and several games. And on Nov. 19, a Drexmore Road resident reported that someone came into her home through an unlocked door and stole jewelry and electronics valued at over $2,000.

Shaker Heights Police said that residents should keep all windows and doors locked, and use home burglary systems — believe it or not, often, added Lt. Jeff Demuth, residents have the alarm systems but they are not activated.

Also, residents can help protect their homes with ample lighting and well-trimmed shrubs.