Redmond police offers safety tips for spring break

Published 11:45 am Monday, April 4, 2016

This week is spring break for the Lake Washington School District (LWSD) and the Redmond Police Department (RPD) often see an increase in mischief and property crime during that time.

Here are a few tips the department has offered so residents can protect themselves and their homes.

If you are traveling

Let your neighbors know that you will be gone so they can watch over your home.

Make sure your home and vehicles are completely locked up before leaving.

If you are staying in the area

Stay alert when entering or leaving your neighborhood or complex. Don’t be distracted with a phone call or texting. If you are paying attention to your surroundings, you may notice suspicious behavior that needs to be reported to 911.

Things to Report to 911

Someone walking around several cars and peeking into the windows or trying door handles of multiple cars.

Someone going door-to-door without a good reason to be in your neighborhood, especially if they go to the rear entrance or patio.

An unknown vehicle driving around your block several times.

Slow-moving vehicle driving in the dark without lights on, especially near residences, schools or playgrounds.

Someone detaching parts or accessories from a car.

Someone running and carrying something unwrapped of high value (flat screen TV, computer).

Delivery person who knocks on your door but says they have the wrong address and/or asks if someone else lives there.

Someone loading property into a vehicle from a closed business or unoccupied residence.

Parents

Talk to your teenagers about mischief. It might seem harmless but graffiti, damaging property or harmful pranks can be serious issues for students and may involve legal action.