Residents warned to be vigilant after nighttime break-in reported.

[view:node_ad=5] The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station is advising Canyon
Country residents in the area of Newhouse Street and Deeptree Avenue to
be extra vigilant in reporting suspicious persons loitering or
wandering in residential areas in the late hours of the night and early
morning hours. 

Detectives from the station are investigating a report
of a residential burglary, which occurred at 2:45 a.m. Monday morning,
in the 19000 block of Newhouse Street.  The suspect reportedly forced
entry into the location through a window and the residents awoke to
find him standing in their bedroom.  The residents ran from the house
and neighbors called the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station. 
Deputies arrived moments later, contained the area, and searched for
the suspect, but were unable to locate him.  The suspect is described
only as a male, 5'05" tall, weighing 180 pounds.  No one was injured
during the incident.  

"Residents in the area should take extra precautions, ensure their
doors and windows are locked when they go to bed at night, keep outside
lighting on, and immediately report the slightest indication of
suspicious conduct to our station," said Captain Anthony La Berge of
the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station.  "We have directed
increased patrols into the area and will be very proactive in our
enforcement efforts," he added.      

 

Sheriff officials also advise residents in the area to be aware of
suspicious vehicles or persons in the daylight hours that may be
watching them or their homes.  Those living alone should take extra
precautions, keep a phone nearby, and immediately report any suspicious
activities or noises. Deputies will immediately respond and check the
area. 

 

Further, residents should avoid walking alone in remote wash
areas whenever possible and utilize frequently traveled and
well-lighted walkways and pathways instead.  When returning home late
at night take a good look at your surroundings before parking and
getting out of your car.  By taking a few simple precautions, you can
reduce the risk to yourself, and also discourage those who are intent
on committing crime. 

 

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station officials are offering the following personal safety tips:

• Always be alert and aware of the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark
• Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make  you
  vulnerable to crime, such as alleys, dark parking lots, and remote
  unlit or sparsely traveled walkways and pathways
• Whenever possible, travel or walk with a friend
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible
• Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide
• Walk confidently, and at a steady pace
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street when other risk factors are present, continue walking
• If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your arm and your body
• Don't set a pattern – use different routes of travel and
  varying times when walking, exercising, or leaving your house or place
  of business
• Immediately report suspicious persons or vehicles to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station
• Lock your doors and windows when you go to bed at night
• Use good window locks in addition to the regular window latch
• Install an alarm system if possible that will alert you to anyone attempting to enter your home
• Install light timers to turn on and off at varying intervals
• Get to know your neighbors and ensure you communicate suspicious activities to each other
• Jot down the license plate number of suspicious vehicles 

Anyone with information regarding this crime should contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121.