Piqua police warn of burglary increase

PIQUA, Ohio (WDTN) - A rash of burglaries has the Piqua Police Department issuing a warning to business owners.

Police Chief Bruce Jamison says the city has seen a significant increase in the number of break-ins since December 2012.  Several occurred over the weekend of January 26, sparking the warning.

The police chief issued a list of precautions businesses can take to discourage burglars:

- Do not keep significant amounts of cash in the business overnight

- If cash is present, make sure it is secured in a safe which is permanently affixed to the
building, or a safe too heavy to be easily carried away

- Alarm your business and set the alarm every night

- Secure all possible entry points such as windows, air conditioning units, roof hatches

- Reinforce doors’ security features (types of doors, locks, bolts, hinges, etc.)

- Keep the interior lit at night if it would provide passers-by and police a way to see inside

- Maximize outdoor lighting

- Remove physical features that would help a burglar gain access to your business

The chief is making officers available to survey businesses and offer safety advice.  You can contact the police department at 937-778-2027 to schedule a meeting.

He also urges citizens to call and report any suspicious activity.