Burglars in Beeville and the surrounding area have been active this summer, costing their victims tens of thousands of dollars in a matter of weeks.

Members of the Beeville Municipal Law Enforcement Officers Association have recommended that people take some important steps in helping investigators track down stolen property and preventing burglaries.

One of the most vital steps in recovering stolen property is keeping track of serial numbers.

Property owners should write down the serial numbers of all items in their homes or businesses which might become the targets of thieves and then keep those numbers safely stored.

Because electronic equipment, such as flat panel televisions, DVD players, stereo systems and computers, is often targeted, the numbers of all those items should be maintained.

Another important security measure is photographing those same items and keeping the photos or computer discs with the photos on them in a safe place.

Jason Alvarez, president of the BMLEOA, also suggested that people take simple precautions, like making sure their doors and windows and other locks are locked.

Also, leaving a light and a radio or television on can help scare away a burglar when the occupant is gone.

The same goes for a big dog or a dog that barks at strangers.

Outdoor motion-activated or timed lights also help, along with keeping the mailbox emptied, newspapers picked up, sidewalks swept, lawns mowed and simply cleaning around the house or apartment.

Dusting, wiping down and mopping help investigators to obtain fingerprints and other evidence that could be left by a burglar.

External cameras also help along with fencing and other types of security lights.

Residents who plan to be out of town can contact law enforcement agencies and request patrols in the neighborhood.

Alvarez urged businesses to call police and report suspicious persons in their stores and shops so that they can help identify them. Often, officers and deputies will make contact with the suspicious people while they are at the scene or nearby.

Alvarez said property and business owners can always contact patrol officers, deputies, investigators, insurance agents and other owners to learn what additional security measures they can take to protect their property.

The BMLEOA supports Operation I.D., a program designed to help property owners mark their belongings with engraved Texas driver’s license numbers.

Departments have engraving equipment and ultraviolet inks that can be used to mark valuables to make it easier to identify them.

Alvarez encouraged citizens to contact the Beeville Police Department or Bee County Sheriff’s Office for more information on how to avoid losses.