Loss of bicycles and other personal property can be greatly minimized during the high-risk summer months by following a few simple guidelines, according to police crime analysts. — Photos by Bobbie Toner

By Jim Clark

According to information being shared by the Somerville Police Department, incidents of theft involving bicycles and home break-ins take a sharp upward rise during the summer months.

One can, however, minimize the risks of loss or damage to personal property by following some simple guidelines laid out by law enforcement professionals.

In analyzing the statistics available, police have determined that bicycle theft is definitely a seasonal issue. In 2014, 50% of all bike thefts occurred in the summer months (June-August), 75% including September and October.

For the first two months of this summer (June and July), bike thefts ran 30% above last year’s average. Other communities have noted similar increases.

The Davis Sq. area is considered a hot spot for bicycle theft due to the many commercial/public racks in place there. The nearby residential areas on surrounding streets are also vulnerable points. Assembly Row is also cited for similar reasons.

On nights and weekends, residential areas along major streets, where bikes are secured outdoors (front or back yard) are often targeted.

According to the analysis, most thieves who steal bikes are roaming the region with bolt cutters. Use of cable locks should be avoided, in favor of the tougher options that are available, such as U-locks and heavy-duty web chain locks.

It is strongly recommended that you store your bike indoors if at all possible, especially when at home.

Law enforcement agencies advise all bicycle owners register their bikes with their universities or with the city (somervillema.gov/bicycleregistration) to deter theft to aid in recovery.

Report suspicious parties to the police. This year, theft activity appears to be related to groups of young males (15-24). Look out for groups or individuals carrying bolt cutters. Look out for individuals or groups with more bikes than people.

Residential Burglary tends to be consistent from April through November, before dropping off in the winter months. The summer months, however, pose unique challenges, as more residents leave their windows open during the day or install air conditioners, which are easily pushed in by a burglar.

Residential burglary this year tends to occur in the evening (7–11 p.m.) Tuesday-Saturday. Windows are the most frequent method of entry. Often, burglars will push in an AC, or cut the screen to access an unlocked window at the side or rear of a house.

Activity has been elevated from School St. to Teele Square, especially in the area between Central St & Davis Sq.

Residential burglars prefer to target areas with many students or young professionals, who are more likely to have access to laptops or other portable electronics – the preferred target of theft – and are less likely to have security precautions.

To help protect yourself from home invasion theft, make sure all external doors and windows, including common doors, have functioning locks.

Keep windows closed and locked when not at home. Windows with ACs, even on upper level porches, or windows that are frequently left opened should be prevented from opening all the way. For example, use of through-the-frame nails, across-the-frame security bars or wooden dowels is particularly effective. These measures can also provide security for normally locked windows and can act as a deterrent.

Cut away growth that conceals windows at the side of the house, and avoid leaving furniture or trashcans out that might be used to climb up to a window.

Consider a home security system. Good systems run under $500. Consider adding cameras or adopting a security system that streams video to your phone if your home is entered. Consider timed lights if out in the evening.

Keep the serial numbers for portable electronics. Consider registering electronics with your university or the city (smoervillema.gov/wrap-information). Consider adding tracking software to portable devices.

Report Suspicious Parties to the Police, specifically unfamiliar individuals or groups going into or out of driveways or backyards.

Report any breaking and entering incidents to the police as soon as they are discovered. You may have scared off the burglar in the act and they may still be in the area.

By following these simple guidelines, authorities assure us that we can protect ourselves and our property in a safe and effective manner.