The bikes were gone — again!
The Yoxalls kept their bicycles in their backyard, right next to the door into their home. This proved to be an opportunity recently for a criminal looking for an easy theft. The Yoxalls’ garage also was open, and in addition to two bikes, the same crook grabbed a radar detector from their car, sunglasses and a drill.
“This is probably the sixth time,” Tish Yoxall says about thefts at her home. “My bike and my son’s bike were stolen this time. They took a lot of stuff out of our car too.”
The back and side of the family’s Lakewood home is lit, but that didn’t deter the thief.
“We feel very violated,” she says. “I think it’s just guys walking up alleys and stealing petty stuff.”
The Yoxalls are taking a more proactive measure to prevent future thefts. They’ve installed a security video and sensor system and will keep their back gate locked.
Lt. Gloria Perez with the Dallas Police Northeast Patrol Division says it’s a vital to secure all entries into a home.
“It is very important to keep all entry points locked and secured so residents will not be vulnerable to being a victim,” she says.
Perez says bicycles and anything else of value should be kept out of view so it’s not an easy target for criminals.
“We suggest homeowners keep bicycles inside a garage, a storage shed or even inside the residence when possible to keep from becoming a victim.” —SEAN CHAFFIN
