Residents should be careful and alert as there has been a rash of thefts and burglaries in the area.

People started reporting incidents in and around their neighborhoods on Nextdoor.com. One resident on El Molino reported a breaking into a neighbor’s house. Another resident reported a bike theft from 2 stories up on Raymond and Marengo. A manager of a complex building in the heart of Downtown Pasadena, near City Hall, reported an incident of a stolen item from a truck bed that happened overnight.

It is a summer like weather, and people are escaping the heat by either leaving their windows open during the day or by going on vacation and leaving their homes without taking the proper precaution to secure them.

Here are some important and common sense tips from the police department to protect yourself and your home:

• Always lock your doors and windows when away from home.

• Use dead bolt door locks on exterior doors and double cylinder dead bolt locks, if any window is within 3 feet of a door lock.

• Change the locks when moving into a new residence.

• Never hide keys outside. Give a trusted neighbor or close family member a spare key instead.

• Keep your valuables in a safe deposit box.

Prior to going on vacation:

• Ask a family member, a trusted neighbor or a friend to check your home regularly.

• Ask them to collect and store newspapers, door flyers and mail.

• Ask a trusted neighbor to intermittently park in your driveway.

• Use timers on indoor lights, televisions and radios to make location appear occupied.

• Have planned deliveries left with a neighbor verses your front porch.

• Request a Vacation Home Check from the police department.

If unfamiliar person knocks on your door:

• View person at your door before opening (look through a peep hole or window).

• Announce to persons knocking at your door that you are home (don’t ignore).

• Never unlock or open the door to anyone before confirming their identity.

• Verify workers by asking for physical I.D. cards and call their employer if you have to.

• Never give keys to workers or allow unknown persons into your home or backyard without verification.

• Immediately report all suspicious activity or persons to your police department.

– Pasadena Police Department: 626-744-4241. Emergency: dial 9-1-1.

♦ Remember, by reporting a suspicious activity when you first learn of it gives law enforcement a greater chance of disrupting criminal activity.