BRIEFS. public safety

House safety an issue during Carnaval

Carnaval has arrived, and with it an expected increase in criminal activity.

"You are the first line of security," Policía Nacional Director Rolando Mirones said in a general message to homeowners. "You need to take preventative measures."

In order to prevent robberies, Mirones recommended that people give their cell phone number to neighbors if they are going out of town for Carnaval. That way, they can be reached in case of an emergency.

Also, Mirones suggested people who leave their homes buy an electronic switch that will activate lights each night.

"The most important thing to do, although it sounds simple, is to lock up the house as tightly as possible. We have seen many cases in which a person manages to break inside a house through a window or door that has been left open," Mirones said.

Officer Rafael Jurado also recommended that people suspend their newspaper subscriptions so that they do not pile up in front of the house, thus attracting attention.

There are other tips that can help residents who don't want outsiders to know they are gone. Jurado said to never leave extra keys in obvious places, such as under a welcome mat or near a door.

Residents can also contact their phone company to have house calls forwarded to a cell phone. Police also suggested that homeowners never change their answering machine message to let callers know they will be away for a few days.

Police said that is as good as inviting someone to break into your home.

Police will have extra patrols on duty for Carnaval, but Mirones said those officers can’t be everywhere at once.