How to Avoid Daytime Residential Burglaries

From the Union City Police Department

Most burglars want to avoid encountering a resident or being seen by a neighbor while they are committing their crime. Residential burglars commonly knock on the front door or ring the doorbell, prior to breaking into a residence. If the burglar encounters a resident, they will commonly say they are lost, looking for someone, or they will make up some other reason for knocking on your door. But the real reason they knocked on the door was to see if anyone was at home prior to breaking into the residence.

Most burglars will move to another location when they realize someone is at home. You can verbally acknowledge someone who knocks on your door or rings your doorbell without necessarily opening the front door. You can make verbal contact with the person from the other side of the door. You can question why the person is actually at your front door from inside your home, with the door closed.

It can be a good idea to have a cordless or cellular phone with you when you make verbal contact with the person at your door. Keep a phone with you so you can call 911 or the police department if needed. Please feel free to report suspicious persons or people who are seen knocking on doors to the police department. Most residential burglaries occur during daytime hours when most residents are at work.

Anyone with information about any crime in Union City is asked to contact Union City police at 510-471-1365 or the anonymous tip line at 510-675-5207. Tips can also be e-mailed to tips@unioncity.org.