Crime & Safety

Bowie Police Urge Caution After Recent Break-ins

Police are offering residents tips to help keep their homes and belongings safe after a spate of break-ins in Collington Station.

In the wake of two attempted residential burglaries and once successful home break-in on April 10 in Collington Station, Bowie police are urging residents to take extra precautions.

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Police say that there were two attempted burglaries on in the 15100 block of Joppa Place on April 10. In both instances, entry was attempted via a basement window, said Bowie Police Chief John Nesky.

On the same date, there was a successful break-in on the 100 block of Johnberg Lane, where entry was made through a basement window, Nesky said. Police are investigating the cases but as of Wednesday, no suspects have been identified or apprehended.

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Bowie police have offered these tips to help residents reduce the likelihood of a break-in or home burglary: 

  • During the day, leave drapes and shades in a normal position - the way you have them when at home. Don’t leave easily movable valuables in sight close to windows.
  • At night, leave on some inside lights - bathrooms and hallways, for example. Consider buying automatic timers that turn lamps on after dark, then off a few hours later or at dawn.

  • Never leave garage doors open - especially with no car in sight. This is a WELCOME sign to burglars.

  • Install deadbolt locks. Make sure locks are firmly screwed in solid wood - not just into a light door jamb. The longer the screws and the longer the lock bolt, the safer your home will be.

  • Burglars often try to find out if anyone is home by phoning. Warn family members, especially children, not to give out information over the phone.

  • Avoid putting your name on mailboxes or on doors.

  • Don’t open your door to anyone you don’t know and trust.

  • Never keep large sums of cash around the house. Keep valuable jewelry that you don’t often wear in a safe deposit box.

  • Don’t advertise your vacation plans. Let a trusted neighbor know you’re going on vacation and ask them to keep an eye on your house and pick up any mail or newspapers left at your doorstep.

  • If you’ll be away from your home for an extended time, tell the Bowie Police Department 301-575-2480.

  • Be a good neighbor. Keep an eye on your neighbors’ homes and ask them to do the same for you.

  • The Bowie Police Department offers free home security surveys. Please contact Sgt. Henderson at bhenderson@cityofbowie.org to set up an appointment.
  • See something suspicious in your neighborhood? Call Bowie police at 301-352-1200.


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