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Brooke Walker Reporting It happens every year -- when temperatures start to increase, so does crime. But police say, for the most part, it can be prevented.
They are mistakes we all make, like leaving the car running, even just for a few minutes, or forgetting to shut a garage door. But those little mistakes can quickly become someone else's opportunity.
The scenes of summer are a little more laid back.
Chief Babka: "When it's been a long winter, I think people just like to get out. The sun's out and people are going on vacation."
But when it comes to crime, police warn not to take a vacation from safety.
Chief Beau Babka, South Salt Lake Police Dept.: "Sometimes citizens are their own worst enemy. We sometimes forget."
Which is why local agencies are teaming up to remind us, hoping to prevent what they call crimes of opportunity.
Chief Beau Babka: "Something left outside, if a car is left running, doors are left open, that creates the opportunity."
Mark Clary: "Sitting right there on my little cart is where they were, close to the entrance."
Mark Clary knows that opportunity all too well. Missing from his garage is a valuable set of golf clubs.
Sheriff Aaron Kennard: "Drive by, see clubs sitting by the edge, garage door probably open, and they're gone."
Mark Clary, Summer Crime victim: "I didn't think it would happen, this is a quiet neighborhood and it's actually kind of secluded."
A drive through that neighborhood shows others feel the same. We found garage door after garage door, wide open, bike left on the lawn, even another set of golf clubs out in plain view.
Sheriff Aaron Kennard: "People feel like their neighborhoods are safe, and they are, but they are as safe as the neighbors make them."
Mark Clary: "We're probably going to be better at that now, keeping it closed, even during the daytime."
Police encourage neighbors to watch out for each other; and police will also be watching. They say if you do forget to shut a garage door or bring in bike at night, don't be surprised to get a knock on the door.
