By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

LAPLACE — With “summer-time crimes” on the rise, St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Mike Tregre is urging residents to remember to lock their cars, just as they lock their homes, to help prevent being targeted in a burglary.

Tregre said so far this year there have been over 100 car burglaries in the parish, with over half of the vehicles targeted being left unlocked. He said in the summer his office sees a rise in certain crimes, including home and car burglaries.

When officers report to a street after a call for a home or car burglary, Tregre said they place door hangers with safety reminders and police contact numbers on the street’s houses.

“Most vehicle burglaries in St. John Parish are self-service,” the hanger states. “Leave valuables in an unlocked vehicle and criminals will help themselves.”

Safety reminders of the hanger include:

Remember to always lock and shut your window and doors, and make sure your home, vehicles and sheds are secure.

While away, make your home appear occupied. Use a timer and leave a light and a radio on when you go out.

Burglars do not like to be seen. Use motion security lighting around your home and vehicles.

Never leave valuables in plain view.

Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places.

Reports suspicious persons or activities to the Sheriff’s Office immediately by calling 911.

Avoid announcing your vacation on your Facebook page. It is easier than you think to look up your address.