Farmington Hills Police Warn About Burglaries, Home Invasions

A recent increase in home invasions and business burglaries in the area from 9 Mile Road to 10 Mile Road between Middlebelt and Orchard Lake Roads has  telling residents and business owners to take some extra precautions.

A press release issued late Friday afternoon indicated the department has assigned a Directed Patrol Unit, the South Oakland Narcotics Intelligence Consortium (SONIC) Unit, and the Investigative Division to the area. In addition, investigators are working with the Detroit, Livonia, and Redford Township Police Departments, and the .

The recent spike in burglaries is a rare occurrence in , where burglaries decreased 8 percent last year, Police Chief Chuck Nebus said.

"The department recently arrested one subject responsible for 10 home burglaries, other persons have been identified, but at least one person is still occasionally targeting the recent area of concern," he said. "We remain hopeful that a resident acting as our eyes and ears will report something suspicious that will result in an arrest."

Homeowners are advised to take the following precautions:

Doors and Windows

• All doors and windows should be locked at all times – including the door from the attached garage into the residence
• All exterior doors should be made of either metal or solid wood
• Strong door hinges should be used on the inside of the door
• If appropriate, a wide-angle door viewer should be used
• Deadbolts should be hardened steel and extend at least one inch when in the locked position
• Reinforce the strike plate with extra-long mounting screws

Lighting

• Put several lights on timers and have them set to go on/off at various times
• Set radios on timers using a talk station, or leave a TV on
• Use outdoor lighting at all points of entry
• Aim some exterior lights away from the house, but not into the roadway
• Provide light on dense shrubs and trees that could serve as hiding places

Homeowners and business owners are asked to contact Farmington Hills police if they see any unusual or suspicious vehicles or people. Call 248-871-2600 if the situation is not an emergency, or 9-1-1 if immediate help is needed.