Keep a close eye on your snowblowers.
Police are urging residents not to leave snowblowers or similar equipment unattended, even for a short time, because of a recent increase in thefts.
Omaha police did not have a tally on how many snowblowers had been stolen recently. But precincts are reporting that the machines are being taken from pickup trucks, open garages, driveways, patios and yards, said Officer Michael Pecha.
Here are a few tips for preventing theft:
• Keep valuables and equipment locked and out of sight after you use them.
• Always lock your garage door, even if you are at home. Use a padlock in the garage door track as an additional lock.
• Record the make, model, and serial number of the equipment.
• Put a distinguishing mark on your equipment to make identification faster and easier.
Police ask anyone with information about stolen equipment to contact Crime Stoppers at 444-7867 (STOP), at www.omaha-crimestoppers.net, or by texting OPD and the tip to CRIMES (274637). You may remain anonymous.
Contact the writer:
444-1336, leia.baez@owh.com
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