Point of Entry statistics from the past 90 days:

Attempt (19) - 5%
Force Used (221) = 60%
Unsecured (45) = 12%
Unknown (82) = 22%

Door (177) = 48%
Window (106) = 29%
Shed (24) = 7%
Unknown = 16%

Front of Location (51) = 14%
Rear of Location (122) = 33%
Side of Location (23) = 6%
Unknown = 47%

Crime Prevention Tip: Check your locks on doors and windows and replace them with secure devices as necessary. Install double cylinder dead bolt locks on all doors ensuring that the throw bolt is at least one inch in length. Older windows that don't have security locks on them should be pinned.

Locations where Residential Burglaries occur. Statistics reflect the last 90 days.

Residence (264) = 72%
Apartment (101) = 28%

Apartment communities are busier with more people looking and watching This is one reason for the fewer Burglaries in apartment complexes. In residential communities don't allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly. Be noisy neighbors. Watch for any potential problems while you walk, exercise or just get outside to catch some fresh air. This will not only help reduce criminal activity but will increase your good health as well.

Top Items Stolen over the past 90 days:

These numbers reflect a one to one comparison of incidents to items stolen. It is possible that more than one of each were taken during a specific incident. (i.e. more than one TV or more than one computer sometimes are taken during one incident)

1. TV (79) = 22%
2. Computer (69) - 19% (Laptops and desktop counted)
3. Game Systems (54) = 15% (i.e. Xbox, Wii, Playstations (all types), etc.) - does not include video games
4. Jewelry (41) = 11% (all types)
5. Firearms (19) = 5% (all types)

Crime Prevention Tip: Keep a detailed inventory of your valuable possessions, including a description of the items, date of purchase and original value, and serial numbers, and keep a copy in a safe place away from home -- this is a good precaution in case of fires or other disasters. Make a photographic or video record of valuable objects, heirlooms and antiques. Your insurance company can provide assistance in making and keeping your inventory.

Columbia Police Arrest Two Burglary Suspects After “Nosy” Neighbor Calls Police

Columbia Police Chief Tandy Carter announced today the arrest of two burglary suspects who broke into a home at 412 Hampton Forest Drive this morning at about 8:00 am after a “nosy” neighbor called 911. Willie Lee Kelly and a 15 year old juvenile have been arrested and are being questioned at the Columbia Police Department. Columbia Police were able to locate the suspects as they left the scene in a stolen vehicle after the witness gave a description of the vehicle and clothing. Inside the stolen vehicle was a laptop that was stolen from the Hampton Forest Drive residence. Kelly will be charged with Failure to Stop for Police Lights, Burglary, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Larceny. The juvenile’s charges are undetermined at this time.