Think like a thief: Avoid being a home break-in victim

JACKSON, Tenn. — Thieves target homes in West Tennessee. Law enforcement said you can help prevent break-ins.

“They’re looking for an opportunity that is the least likely to get them caught and prosecuted,” Lt. Jeff Shepard said.

Shepard works for the Jackson Police Department investigating break-ins. He estimates about 65 percent to 70 percent of them happen during the daytime, between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. “That’s simply because most people are at work during those hours,” Shepard said.

Deputies said sometimes criminals will knock before breaking in. Investigator Andrew Smith, with the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, said you can answer the door, but do not open it.

“If they’re going to break into your home, most of the time once you make verbal contact with them they’re going to run off,” Smith said.

Investigators said thieves do not target specific neighborhoods, but they do look for certain items like electronics, firearms and jewelry. “They’re looking for something they can turn around quickly, like say a TV that can be sold or traded for drugs,” Shepard said.

Investigators said homeowners can do several things to help prevent break-ins.

Make sure all doors and windows are locked. Maintain the lawn. Cut back trees and bushes. “If you’ve got overgrown hedges, that’s a really good place for burglars to hide while they’re scoping out your residence,” Smith said.

Do not leave empty boxes by the curb, letting thieves know what is inside. “That tells them that there is a brand new 55-inch television inside that house,” Shepard said.

Investigators said if you leave town, have someone pick up the mail and newspaper. Consider setting lights on a timer, and do not post you are away on social media. “That tells the people that know them that they’re out of town,” Shepard said.

Investigators said an alarm system can deter thieves, but Smith said make sure it is monitored. “We’re immediately notified and we can get officers into the area,” Smith said.

Also, talk to those nosy neighbors. Investigators said they can actually be a good thing. “Say, ‘hey, look, I’m going out of town. Can you watch my house? There shouldn’t be anybody over here,’” Shepard said.

If your home does get broken into, investigators said make sure you have serial numbers for valuable items.

Smith said the Madison County Sheriff’s Office will send a deputy out to your home to help identify potential problem areas. If you are interested in that free service, call the sheriff’s office at 731-423-6000.

The sheriff’s office said it will also check on your house if you are out of town. Click here for a link to a vacation form: www.mcso-tn.org/vacation-form.html