Security precautions urged in wake of Hagerstown-area burglaries, including occupied homes

A recent string of burglaries around the Hagerstown area has prompted the Washington County Sheriff's Office to remind residents to take security precautions.

The break-ins have occurred in the area of the Westfields and Cross Creek neighborhoods off of Sharpsburg Pike, the Greenberry Hills development off of Virginia Avenue near Halfway and in the area just north of Hagerstown, according to Sgt. Carly Hose.

In some cases residents were at home when someone forced entry and stole things, but there were no confrontations and no one was hurt, Hose said.

Hose was unable to elaborate on details such as the number of incidents or items taken, citing the ongoing investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 240-313-2100.

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Residents should keep their doors locked, make sure security systems such as cameras are operational, and report anything suspicious to police, Hose said.

Keeping the outside of the home well lit is a good deterrent, she said.

"Whether they've got motion-sensing lights or lights that they leave on outside, lighting is actually the most effective and cheapest form of crime prevention," Hose said. "No one wants to conduct unsavory business while they're being spotlighted."

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Mail: Hagerstown-area burglaries including occupied homes prompt warning