TGCSO Issues Community Rental Unit/Self-Storage Facilities Burglary Alert

SAN ANGELO, TX - The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office issued a Community Crime Alert because of the high number of reported burglaries to rental units at self-storage facilities throughout the county particularly in the southeast area.

"The Tom Green County Sheriff's Office continuously responds to this type of offense," said TGCSO. "Entry into the storage units has primarily been made by cutting locks attached to the storage unit doors."

As part of the alert, TGCSO offered several recommendations to renters:

• Choose a facility that has an access control system and video surveillance system that can record, thus preventing burglaries. Access control system requires renters to use individual codes, remotes or security cards to enter the facility. Self-storage managers can review records to see who is using the facility at all times, making it harder for thieves to enter. 
• If you have high-value items that you are storing, place those valuables in the back of your unit. Placing these items in hard-to-reach places will make it more difficult for thieves who are quickly grabbing items.
• Choose a lock that will hold up against bolt cutters. Avoid using a lock with a long shackle (the loop that passes through or around the object that you are locking). Purchase a disc or cylinder lock, both of which are hard to cut with bolt cutters. 
• Have items insured through homeowner’s insurance, or see if the facility offers insurance.
• Avoid going to your storage unit in the early morning or late evening hours or otherwise off-peak hours. Take someone with you whenever possibly; there is safety in numbers.
• Keep a complete inventory of everything you are storing. Take photos of the items inside your storage unit.
• Check items frequently; do not leave them unchecked for long periods of time. Perhaps check your unit when making your monthly payment. 

Be sure to give the manager a list of people who are allowed access to your unit. If you see something that you think is suspicious, it probably is. Be involved and report it.

Any person or persons with information concerning these crimes or any other crimes are encouraged to contact TGCSO either by phone at (325) 655-8111, or the web page at: http://www.tomgreencountysheriff.org.