Several burglaries were reported early Tuesday morning in Bettsville. While a suspect was arrested - reportedly after crashing a stolen car - that doesn't mean residents can drop their guard.
The break-ins indicate residents should review how their homes and businesses are secured, and that likely is good advice regardless of where one resides.
For proof, consider the reports of how a would-be thief entered properties in Bettsville between 2:30 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. According to sheriff's office reports:
A King Street resident reported a man stuck his head inside an entry door and switched on a kitchen light. The man, described as between the ages of 20 and 25, fled after he saw a resident.
A woman at a Washington Street residence reported a man opened the front door and left after her husband yelled at him.
A State Street woman reported she woke up to find someone in her living room.
A Union Street woman reported someone walked in her back door and went through her purse.
In each case, either an entry door had been left unlocked, or the lock had been defeated. This calls for security measures to be re-evaluated.
Even in small, rural towns, the days are gone when residents could go to bed and leave a door unlocked, hide a key under a mat, nearby rock or barbecue grill. In fact, deadbolts and door chains may be needed.
Take this as a reminder that these security measures, and possibly more, could be the key to discouraging a burglar from trying to enter your home.
