Unlocked Doors, Windows Provide Openings for Burglars in Woodbridge

Prince William County Police are reminding residents to keep their doors and windows locked after recent reports of burglaries in the Woodbridge, Dumfries and Triangle area. 

The burglaries have been in the areas of Birch Creek Court, Potomac River Boulevard, Royal Court, Boatswain Circle, American Eagle Boulevard and Arum Place. According to police reports, suspects enter through unlocked doors from the back, unlocked doors from the garage, forced entry open garage doors or rear windows. 

Police provided the following tips for residents:

• Keep all doors and windows locked, even if at home.
• Keep all vehicles locked, even in the garage. 
• Keep front and rear porch lights on and use motion sensors at night. 
• If you hear something do not investigate. Go to a safe room in your home, call 9-1-1 and stay on the line. 
• Be on the lookout for suspicious persons or activity during the day in addition to the evening hours. Report all suspicious persons or activity to police on the non-emergency number 703-792-6500 or during an emergency, 9-1-1. 

• If possible park a car in your driveway. 
• Have your home look "lived in" while you are away. This can be done with use of timers on lights inside the house. 
• Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail and newspapers daily and remove flyers, circulars and packages that may have been left at your door. Ask this person to conduct a periodic inspection of the perimeter of your home. 
• Leave a contact number with the trusted neighbor/friend/relative in case they need to call you.