Posted Tuesday, March 20, 2012 --- 4:15 p.m.

From the Madison Police Department:

The West District has seen an increase in residential burglaries over the last few weeks. We will continue to investigate these crimes and attempt to identify the suspects. However, citizens can always take steps to reduce the chances that they will be victims of a burglary. These include:

-- Always keep your doors and windows closed and locked

-- Make your home look occupied when you're gone; consider leaving lights on or connected to a timer

-- Keep your garage door closed and locked

-- Use quality locks on doors and windows, and install deadbolt locks on all exterior doors

-- If you'll be gone for an extended period of time, take steps to make sure it is not apparent that you're gone (temporarily stop mail/newspapers; have your lawn mowed; etc.)

-- Have adequate exterior lighting, and consider motion-sensitive lights

-- Keep your exterior trees and shrubs trimmed

-- Be a good neighbor - get to know the people who live near you and let them know when you'll be gone

-- Report suspicious behavior to police

-- Keep good records of your belongings (including serial numbers) so if you are victimized it is easier to investigate the crime and potentially recover your property