Help Close the Door on Crime

EPD Places 50 Door Hangers a Month

It's Saturday afternoon and you're vacuuming your car. The kids interrupt to get their bikes untangled and off they go. You pay no attention to the person strolling by your house. That person, you assumed is a neighbor, knows from experience that, like most, your wide-open garage probably isn't as secure as the rest of your house, and the opportunity presents itself.

The would-be burglar isn't wrong. Most people worry more about heirloom jewelry being stolen than they do about their garage's leaf blowers and power tools. But, as one of the most vulnerable and lucrative areas of your home, the garage is a prime target for theft.

We know this seems like a no-brainer, but drive through any residential neighborhood, and you're likely to see a few wide-open garage doors with no one in sight. When Erie Police Department happens upon an open garage door with no one in sight, officers may attempt to contact you and will place a bright yellow door hanger in a prominent location.

EPD has placed an average of 50 door hangers a month due to open garage doors reminding residents to protect their property. But we cannot be everywhere at all times.

If you're prone to leaving your garage door open, consider:

Installing a garage door sensor or an automatic door closer. A sensor can tell you if your overhead door is open or closed. A closer will automatically close the garage after a certain amount of time.
Installing an automatic garage door lock will automatically deadbolt your garage door every time you close it.
Recruiting your neighbors to help you break the bad habit. For example, ask them to call you out when they witness an unoccupied and open garage door.

Thanks for Keeping Erie Safe!