As practice shows, with the onset of cold weather, there are those who wish to profit from the property stored by thrifty townspeople in the basements of their homes.
As practice shows, with the onset of cold weather, there are those who wish to profit from the property stored by thrifty townspeople in the basements of their homes.
According to the results of 12 months of 2017, 3 thefts of personal property of citizens were committed in the town of Lepel and Lepel district (2016 – 0), stored in the basements of residential buildings. In 2 cases, bicycles were the objects of criminal encroachment, and in 2 cases, preserves. These are only the cases where a criminal case was initiated under Article 205 of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Belarus. If the amount of stolen property is less than 10 base units, a criminal case is not initiated due to the insignificance of the damage caused, and such cases are also numerous.
Jars of pickles, potatoes, and other foodstuffs are frequently stolen and then sold off at bargain prices.
In most cases, crimes are committed through unhindered access via an open entrance door left ajar to the basement. Once inside the basement of apartment buildings, it is not difficult for the perpetrator to select the desired basement and gain entry by damaging the door lock.
Based on the foregoing, the lack of elementary technical reinforcement of these premises, manifested in the absence of locking devices, the occasional leaving of belongings unattended, as well as leaving the entrance door to the basement ajar, are the main reasons and conditions contributing to the commission of such thefts.
Therefore, to prevent your property stored in a basement or utility room from becoming the object of an unlawful act, we recommend technically reinforcing the door securely, locking it with a reliable lock, or even two, and also not leaving the entrance doors to the basements of apartment buildings open.
A very effective method for both prevention and detection of committed crimes is the equipping of apartment building entrances and adjacent areas with video surveillance systems. A sign stating "The premises are equipped with video surveillance" has a very sobering effect on offenders, including basement thieves.
The Department of Internal Affairs of the Lepel District Executive Committee urges you to be especially vigilant regarding unfamiliar suspicious individuals in and around your home, and suspicious items located in basement premises.
In case of suspicion, you should immediately call the police at 102.
Head of the Public Security Police Department of the Lepel District Department of Internal Affairs
Police Lieutenant Colonel Mikhno I.A.