Cape Girardeau police warn of rising storage unit burglaries

FOX23 News at 9 p.m.

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., (KBSI) — The Cape Girardeau Police Department is warning residents about a recent increase in storage unit burglaries and is urging anyone renting a unit to take additional security precautions.

In a public advisory, the department’s Community Services Unit released a list of recommended steps for renters to evaluate storage facility security and better protect their belongings.

Police advise renters to consider the following before choosing a facility:

• Check whether the facility has adequate, functional fencing.
• Ensure the property has sufficient lighting.
• Confirm the facility uses and maintains operational surveillance cameras.
• Use tamper-resistant locks.
• Keep an inventory of stored items, including serial numbers; police recommend using reportit.leadsonline.com.
• Visit the property at different times of day to assess lighting, activity and staff presence.
• Look for gate-code systems, keycard entry or individual unit alarms.
• Store valuable items toward the back of the unit.
• Ask about the facility’s history of break-ins and how management responded.
• Limit who knows your access code or key; ask how often the facility updates codes.

Police said they appreciate the community’s partnership in efforts to reduce thefts and improve local safety.

Anyone with questions or concerns may contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department’s business line at 573-335-6621, the anonymous tip line at 573-339-6313, or text “CAPEPD” to 847411.