What is burglary? How is it different from theft?

What is burglary? How is it different from theft?

Sat, 09/01/2018

By Jennifer Danner

Southwest Seattle Precinct Crime Prevention Coordinator 

-Burglary is defined by the Seattle Police Department as: when someone enters physical property (including a garage or shed), not his or her own, without permission, with the intent to commit a crime

-Theft is defined as: whenever property is taken

For law enforcement, there is a difference between burglary and theft and when you report a crime to 9-1-1 the verbiage you use makes a difference! The Seattle Police Department distinguishes between two types of burglary- residential and non-residential. Residential burglary refers to the theft occurring in a dwelling, other than a vehicle (such as a private home or apartment) and non-residential burglary refers to the theft occurring in a commercial or non-residential building (such as a grocery store or clothing store).

How can we prevent burglary?

-All exterior doors should be strong enough to withstand force and should be secured with a deadbolt lock that has a minimum one-inch throw

-All windows and doors should be shut and locked (especially at night)

-Try not to leave valuables (such as packages, electronics or cash) in plain sight through windows or doors

-The main entrance door to a home/apartment should have a door wide-angle (180 degree) viewer/peephole

-Make the home/business appear as if there is someone there by leaving lights, music and/or televisions on

-Install lights to be specifically directed and focused on entry points and vulnerable areas

-Secure and lock all windows and doors when leaving the premises- even if you plan to return within a short amount of time

-Do not leave a spare key out

-Ensure all doors and windows are locked and secured at night

-Secure and maintain yard, patios and outdoor spaces- making sure you trim back all concealing shrubbery

-Check to ensure all garages and sheds are consistently locked with a sturdy lock

-Take inventory lists and photos of belongings to ensure you know if something is missing

-Check sheds and garages regularly in order to report a burglary as quickly as possible

Please remember that the SW Precinct has engravers that community members can check-out to engrave their electronics and personal belongings with an identifying number such as your Driver’s License number. Engraving your items and keeping a household inventory list can be extremely helpful in investigations and it allows recovered items to be returned to you.

Another very important prevention technique for residential property crime is getting to know your neighbors and starting a Block Watch. Block Watch is one of the most effective crime prevention tools. Block Watch brings residents and law enforcement together to improve safety and prevent crime. Safety improves when neighbors watch out for each other by reporting suspicious activity and in progress crimes to 9-1-1. Crime prevention occurs when the opportunity for crime is removed and neighbors work together towards a safer neighborhood. If you are interested in setting up a Block Watch for your area, have questions and/or would like to learn more about this program- please feel free to contact me. 

Below you will find my contact information.

l again focus on a specific crime/safety issue and include important prevention techniques. Below you will also find upcoming event in the SW Precinct in the next month, as well as other resources- such as the Seattle Police non-emergency phone number, the link for our online-reporting system and the link for how to ‘thank an SPD employee’. 

Contact me with questions, concerns, to request my presence at a future meeting, to discuss Block Watch, to request a free safety/security assessment of your home or business and/or if you are interested in free firearm cable locks.

 

Email address: Jennifer.Danner@seattle.gov    

Upcoming events in SW Precinct-

  • West Seattle Crime Prevention Council meeting
    • Tuesday September 18th, 7pm- 8:30pm, SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster St)
  • West Seattle Block Watch Captains Network meeting
    • Tuesday September 25th, 6:30pm- 8:30pm, SW Precinct (2300 SW Webster St)

Other resources-

Robinson Papers
West Seattle Herald