CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – With multiple burglaries recently reported at vacant homes in the area, the Clarksville Police Department (CPD) is encouraging owners and neighbors of homes that are vacant due to being renovated, for sale, or for rent to report suspicious activity.
The suspects responsible appear to know the homes are vacant from For Sale signs, dumpsters that are visible to the public, or advertisements in various advertising outlets. The suspects may pose as individuals responsible for the upkeep of the homes, such as employees of moving and appliance companies. The most popular items taken from vacant homes are appliances.
How can the public help?
Be extra vigilant to what is occurring in your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and/or suspicious activity to the CPD immediately. Be mindful of the following:
– Call 9-1-1 immediately if you notice signs of forced entry.
– The suspect(s) may case out a potential target during the day and return when it is dark.
– The suspect(s) often gains entry through a back or side door of the vacant home.
– Once inside the property, the suspect(s) may utilize a flash light or head lamp so as not to turn on lights inside and you may observe beams of light coming from the property.
– Make note of the suspect’s description and vehicle license plate if you can do so safely, and share the information with police immediately by calling 9-1-1.
– If you are the current owner of a vacant home, CPD suggests you check the home on a regular basis and report any stolen items, talk to and get to know the neighbors, and always record names, brands, and serial numbers of appliances or any other item of value.
If you observe suspicious activity in the area of a vacant home, call 911 for a CPD Officer to respond and prevent a crime from occurring. Anyone with information related to stolen appliances from vacant homes should call 931-648-0656 or the CrimeStoppers TIPS Hotline at 931-645-TIPS (8477).