How residents can remain safe, secure in warming weather

Here are a few warm-weather safety reminders for Lodi residents:

Protecting your home/residence

Never leave windows, doors and garages open and unattended. Doing so provides the opportunity for an inventory of belongings for future reference, or may even allow immediate access to your home for a quick burglary. This includes windows on an upper floor.

Someone who is walking or driving by a residence can steal a bicycle, lawn care products, tools and other items in a matter of seconds. Don't leave items in the front yard and make sure the garage door is closed when not in direct line of vision.

When in the backyard, make sure the front of the home is secure. It only takes a few seconds to gain access to a home from an open door or window. Once in the home, thieves can take a purse, car keys, or a jewelry box and be gone in a second.

A garage door left open a few inches for ventilation is not secure and provides quick and easy access to the contents of the garage. For many, the garage allows access to the inside of the home. A burglar can enter the garage, close the door behind them, and have plenty of time to break into the home. If you see a neighbor's garage door left open and unattended, help them avoid becoming a victim and let them know.

Don't hesitate to make eye contact with anyone you suspect may be "casing" your property. This makes burglars extremely uncomfortable. If you see a suspicious individual in the neighborhood contact the Lodi Police Department (209)333-6727. If possible, write down a description of the individual and the vehicle's license plate number.

Vehicle safety tips

Tire care is especially critical in warm weather because long trips, heavy loads, high speeds and higher temperatures all put additional stress on your tires. Be sure tires are in good condition and properly inflated. With proper inflation pressure tires will last longer, be less likely to fail and the vehicle will use less fuel.

Never leave a child, senior citizen, or an animal unattended in a vehicle. Temperatures do not need to be high outside to reach dangerous levels inside. Even when the temperature outside is in the low 80s, a parked car can reach 120 degrees in a few minutes even with the windows slightly opened.

Never leave valuables in plain sight inside your vehicle. Be sure to lock them in the trunk.

Comments, questions or advice for Behind the Badge can be e-mailed to jbiskup@pd.lodi.gov or mailed to Jeanie Biskup, Lodi Police Department, 215 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240, phone (209)333-6864.