The Zachary Police Department and Police Chief David McDavid have issued the following alert concerning a recent rash of burglaries in the Zachary community.

"We are asking citizens to report any suspicious vehicles and/or persons on your street and in your neighborhood," McDavid said Thursday. "The burglaries, which appear to be happening during the day time, have caused considerable concern among residents in the community, and rightly so."

McDavid said the department is aware of the burglaries, and they are working to catch the thieves but need the help of the community.

Residents can help by staying alert and becoming more observant of their surroundings and reporting any and all suspicious activity. The number to call is 654-9393. In an emergency, citizens should dial 9-1-1.

Precautions you can take to deter thieves:

• Keep trees/shrubs trimmed so they cannot be used as hiding places for intruders.

• Ensure all valuables - tools, lawn equipment and mowers, electronic equipment, ladders and household items - are locked up during the day and night and not left outside while you are at work or away.

• Ensure all windows and doors are locked at night and during the day while you are work. This includes vehicle, shed and garage doors.

• Make sure door hinges are on the inside and not accessible.

• NEVER leave keys under doormats, in mailboxes, flowerpots or other "secret" hiding places. Burglars know where to look for keys!

• Keep a detailed inventory of your valuables including serial numbers, description and date of purchase.

• Turn on motion-sensitive, exterior and some interior lights at night. During the day, leave a TV or radio on by using a timer. This gives thieves the impression someone is at home. 

• Photograph or videotape valuable objects, heirlooms, jewelry or antiques in case of theft.

• Sliding glass doors are a common entry point and many can be lifted off their tracks. Use vertical bolts or a metal or wooden rod to hold the door closed.

• Make sure, if you have a household alarm/security system, it is enacted both day and night.

• Keep watch for your neighbors, especially if you know they are not home or they are elderly. Offer to pick up their mail or newspaper during the day if they'll be gone for any length of time.

Also have someone collect your mail or newspapers while gone on vacation or during a long weekend.

"Remember to burglar-proof your home to keep yourself and your possessions safe from intruders," said McDavid. "A little prevention goes a long way."

Some facts:

• Most burglaries occur between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

• Homes without security systems are three times as likely to be burglarized.

• First stop for thieves is the master bedroom - most people keep their valuables there.

• Favorite items for thieves: Cash, jewelry, electronic equipment, silver, guns and other items easy to sell.

• Burglars want to spend no more than 60 seconds breaking in to your home - by following the suggestions above, you can deter thieves.

McDavid announced that the Zachary Police Department will also be starting a crime watch program beginning Monday, Oct. 1.

Part of the program includes the ZPD passing out personal property forms for citizens to record all of their valuables.

Zachary residents can also pick up the forms from the Zachary Police station, located at 4510 Main St., any time between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday thru Friday beginning Oct. 1.