Tips to improve home security

By Adrienne Urbanski

Warm weather during the month of August caused Nokomis neighborhood residents to leave more windows open, which led to an increase in home burglaries, according to the Minneapolis Police Department. Police recommend that residents secure windows that are within 24 feet of ground level, or which are accessible through a balcony, fire escape or porch.

They also advise apartment residents to help keep their building secure by not buzzing in unfamiliar people, or letting them follow you inside through a security door. Home owners can keep their homes secure by installing deadbolts on all exterior doors, including garage doors. Covering your windows with curtains, especially at night, can also keep potential burglars from peering in. Maintaining a highly visible house number on the front and back of your home can aid neighbors in reporting suspicious activity.

The breakdown of reported burglaries per neighborhood is as follows: Diamond Lake, 4; Ericsson, 2; Field, 3; Keewaydin, 1; Minnehaha, 0; Morris Park, 1; Regina, 2; and Wenonah, 2.