According to the San Diego Police Department, crime rates increase during summer months when more people venture outdoors, and visitors arrive in the city.

SAN DIEGO — As warmer weather arrives in San Diego County, officials are warning residents of a seasonal spike in home break-ins and thefts, urging them to secure their windows and doors even when they want to let in cooling breezes.

According to the San Diego Police Department, crime rates increase during summer months when more people venture outdoors, and visitors arrive in the city. 

“Crimes of opportunity are always on the rise but with more people in San Diego with more people in San Diego,” San Diego Police Officer Colin Steinbroner said.

Entry points require constant attention to prevent unauthorized access. 

“I know windows want to be open, people want to be more relaxed, more casual outside. Windows being open aren’t the safest option, as best you can monitor them and always know which windows you left open, which windows are easily accessible from the outdoors,” Steinbroner said.

Andrew, a Pacific Beach resident who has lived in the neighborhood for six years, experienced multiple break-in attempts at his home during the summer a couple of years ago. 

“Two issues here at the house, actually, someone trying to break in the window and then also someone trying to break into our backyard,” Andrew said.

Following those incidents, Andrew implemented several security measures to protect his home. 

“We actually installed security cameras; they’re really prevalent everywhere in the neighborhood. The security camera we have lights up at night if someone kind of enters the perimeter around the house,” he said.

Andrew also created natural barriers around his property. 

“We did kind of a lot of natural barriers on the property, so both a fence and also kind of landscaping just to kind of keep wandering eyes from looking inside the house,” he said.

Andrew now checks all windows and doors every time he leaves his home. 

“We do keep all the doors locked and windows locked in the evening. If we were to leave the house, it definitely helps that we also have a dog, I think that is kind of one of those natural deterrents for a lot of people,” he said.

Residents who notice anything suspicious at their homes should call 911 immediately so a police report can be filed, the San Diego Police Department urges.