Rash of burglaries reported around the county

The Bates County Sheriff's Department has been busy investigating what seems to be a rash of thefts around the area over the last few days. Thieves don't seem to be targeting a particular area, as the burglaries being reported are not only in the outskirts, but in towns and close neighborhoods as well.

Considering a sluggish economy and with the holidays near, it might be expected that thieves are going to be busy. Here are some tips to help safeguard your property:

• Do as much as you can to make it look like someone is home when you're not. Leave a few lights on; leave a vehicle parked directly in front where it's readily visible. Leave an outside light on that will illuminate dark areas in the back or sides of your home. Close blinds or curtains and try leaving a radio playing fairly loud-this confuses thieves; they may think you just can't hear the doorbell, etc. Don't leave doors open on sheds.

• Avoid hiding keys in logical places, such as on top of the exterior door trim or under the mat. If you must hide keys, be creative- there are many things on the market such as a fake rock that holds a key discreetly

• Have your children answer the phone carefully if you're not nearby- a simple "Dad's in the shower" or "She's out back feeding the dogs" will suffice if the child is not certain who the caller is. Talk to your children and make a plan regarding such calls or what to do if a stranger is at the front door.

• Try not to leave the flag up on your mailbox for long periods of time-  put mail in the box in the morning instead of the night before. Have the post office hold your mail if you plan to be gone more than a few days. A stuffed mailbox is an obvious indication that you are not at home.

• Ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye out, even if you are only going to be gone for a couple of days.

• Don't post info on Facebook or other social networking sites that might indicate that you are on vacation as thieves often use these sites to find homes to target. If you do post, make it sound like you are at home as usual and post with discretion about expensive purchases, such as that new flat screen TV you are so proud of. Social networking sites can be used against you when you least expect it.

• Lock your car. We are all guilty of not doing this down here and an unlocked car is easy prey. Don't leave mail or other items with your name or address on it in plain sight. The same for ipods, radar detectors, cell phones, etc. Slide them under the seat out of sight or lock them in the trunk.

Most of all be alert and report anything suspicious. Thieves are getting quite bold and move quickly; a timely sheriff's patrol response will better the odds of catching them with the goods- which makes for a much easier prosecution.