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Sandra Yi ReportingAs temperatures rise, so does crime, with thieves trying to make a fast buck. But there are things we can do to keep ourselves from becoming victims.
Many of us have done it before, left our cars running. If police see it happening, they hope to get to us before the bad guys do.
Chief Beau Babka, South Salt Lake Police Dept.: "There are a lot of different scenarios, open garages, running vehicles."
They're crimes of opportunity and thieves are jumping at the chance. Police say, someone's mistake is often their gain.
Sheriff Aaron Kennard, Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office: "They see a two or three-hundred dollar bike on the front lawn that you forgot to take in, and they take it."
Police in South Jordan recently caught a car burglar who told investigators how he operated.
Capt. Gary Cox, West Jordan Police Dept.: "He always looked for vehicles that were unlocked, and that there things that were visible on the seats or in the car that he had easy access to. He never tried to get into vehicles that were locked."
They're banding together to stop such crime. They say it happens too often.
Aaron Kennard: "It's common sense, but people are always in a hurry."
Law enforcement will conduct proactive patrols. For example, if they see an open garage door, an officer may ask the homeowner to "remove the opportunity" and close it. They may give a driver a citation for leaving a car running and unattended.
Aaron Kennard: "People feel that their neighborhoods are safe, and they are, but they're as safe as the neighbors make them."
Police are urging citizens to take simple precautions with their homes, cars and businesses, and watch out for each other. Agencies also plan to expand efforts to educate the community, through programs like Neighborhood Watch.
Beau Babka: "We hope our citizens will assume more responsibility for their actions."
Brochures on staying safe and protecting your property are available at your local police department.
