The Collier County Sheriff’s Office is urging lawn care businesses to heighten their security to help fight an upward trend of burglaries targeting these establishments locally and across Florida.
Deputies say these thefts occur mostly overnight and over the weekend. In many cases, the locks on utility trailers are cut in order to for subjects to enter and remove the equipment stored inside.
There have been 20 of these break-ins reported to CCSO since the trend began in December of 2009.
CCSO offers the following tips to help deter criminals:
-Install/use additional lighting
-Reinforce all surrounding fences and gates
-Lock and secure all trailers including backing them up to a building to prevent entry
-Use monitored and audible security systems
-Install/use video surveillance
It is also helpful to keep an up-to-date inventory of all property including makes/brand names, models, and serial numbers. With good record keeping, deputies can properly document the stolen equipment.
Anyone with information about these burglaries can contact the CCSO at 239.252.9300 or, if you wish to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward call Crime Stoppers at 1.800.780.TIPS (8477).
For additional information on how to protect your business, contact the Collier County Sheriff’s Office Crime Prevention Section at 239.252.0700.
