MPD warns of suspicious campaign canvassers in neighborhoods

Over the past couple days the Maricopa Police Department has become aware of some possible suspicious behavior occurring around the city.

It has been reported that two male subjects have been canvassing neighborhoods with campaign information. When the incidents were investigated, the city council candidate, whose information was being presented, advised that they had not authorized the activity.

Last year there were a series of daytime burglaries, which occurred in several city neighborhoods where juveniles were knocking on doors. If someone came to the door, they would say they were looking for a lost pet. If no one came to the door, the subjects would attempt to make entry through the back sliding glass door of the home where they would burglarize the residence.

The Maricopa Police Department has not seen a rise in the number of residential burglaries but want to encourage residents to be aware of activity and to take standard precautions to safeguard their residence, especially when they are away from home.

Here are some things you can do to protect your home from burglary:

1. Ensure all doors and windows are locked when no one is home. In most residential burglaries, the suspect enters through an open or unlocked door or window.

2. Close your garage door when you are away or inside the house. Many burglars have entered residences via open garage doors. They can take items from your garage such as bikes, power tools and golf clubs.  

3. Lock your cars, and do not leave valuables in plain sight. If you must leave valuables in your car, they should be hidden prior to arrival at your destination.  Be sure to take your purse, briefcase, cell phone, laptop computer and other property inside.

4. Keep the lights on outside. Burglars prefer not to be seen and would rather work   in the dark. Motion sensor lights for driveways, rear and side yards are an effective deterrent.  

5. Trim trees and shrubs so your doors and windows are not hidden from view.

6. Create the illusion of being home even when you’re not. Put lights on timers and set them to turn on and off at certain times of the evening. Some people even put their televisions or radios on timers during the day to add to the illusion that someone’s home.

7. Spread your risk and your valuables. Find creative places inside your home or on your property to hide your valuables. Most burglars go directly to the master bedroom and closet to find your most valuable possessions.

8. Get to know your neighbors and get involved in your community. Neighbors watching out for each other can be effective in deterring and preventing crime.  Starting a Neighborhood Watch is fun and easy. For more information, contact your local police department. 

9. Consider an alarm system, and ensure it is activated when no one is home.  Audible alarms can scare off intruders as well as signal you and your neighbors that something is wrong. Report suspicious activity to the police right away.

10. Secure your gates and rear yard. Many burglars access backyards via unlocked or open side gates. Locking them may discourage a burglar from entering your back yard.

11. If you see suspicious behavior call police: Emergency-911; Non-emergency at 520-866-5111.

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