Late fall/early winter is the time of year when so-called “cat burglaries” increase dramatically throughout the Valley, according to Phoenix police officials. The reason? Nice weather.

    The typical cat burglar will enter a property to burglarize it when the residents are home. While this is the rarest type of burglary, unfortunately, during the fall and winter months the Phoenix Police Department sees an uptick in this type of crime.

 

This is because people are opening their windows and arcadia doors and enjoying the beautiful nights. “Unfortunately, many people go to bed with their arcadia doors and/or windows still left open or unlocked,” explains Lieutenant A. J. Edmondson of the Phoenix Police’s Property Crime Bureau. “This creates the perfect scenario for opportunistic thieves who know that folks are leaving their windows and doors open and makes for an easy entry into a residence.”

    While Phoenicians who have suffered through another long, hot summer want to now reap the reward of the beautiful fall evenings, they should do so in a safe manner, Lt. Edmonson cautions. This means shutting and locking all windows and doors prior to retiring for the evening.

    “Most opportunistic thieves that specialize in this will usually move on once they realize the house is secure. This simple advice can protect residents and their property.”