A brazen daytime burglary of multiple homes in Vuecrest was foiled by an alert resident who saw the break-in upon returning from shopping, and immediately called 9-1-1 to summon Bellevue police. A suspicious individual was seen carrying a large backpack and headed for the east entrance to the neighborhood. Police were alerted by your neighbor and the suspect was immediately apprehended. Stolen items including cash, jewelry, computers and electronics were recovered. Police noted this robbery was similar to other recent occurrences in Vuecrest, and may be related. The positive ending to this incident is due to the situational awareness and quick action by a Vuecrest homeowner, and the rapid response from the Bellevue police. Please consider these consolidated home security tips from the Bellevue Police: . If you see any suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 !! . Lock all doors and windows when you're away, at night, and especially if you are home by yourself. . When leaving, take an extra minute to ensure all doors and windows are locked, especially in back. According to security experts, about half of all break-ins are actually "walk-ins". . Activate your security system any time you're away, even if it is only for a short time. . All ground-level doors should have a secure deadbolt, and all ground-level windows should have a double latch. . Consider upgrading deadbolt lock strike plates to a high-security plate, under $10 each. . Attached garage - the door from the garage to the house should have a deadbolt. . French doors - If you have french doors, remember to latch the bolts that secure the stationary door into the frame. The doors are not secure if the center deadbolt is the only lock engaged. . Sliding doors - use a secondary blocking device (e.g. a dowel) on all sliding doors. . Trim overgrown vegetation. Many of the houses in Vuecrest are over 50 years old, and mature vegetation has reduced visibility of doors and windows from the street, increasing risk. . Consider that Vuecrest's hedge & fence height restrictions are as useful for safety as they are for aesthetics. A burglar that can't been seen from the street is a burglar that has more confidence about breaking in. . Consider installing motion-activated exterior lights. . If you don't have a security system, consider installing one, and have it monitored by a professional monitoring service. When you install a security system, consider using motion sensors in addition to door and window sensors, so that you have double protection for every entry and exit. . Consider installing a video monitoring system. Even a baby video monitor may help. . Consider replacing or re-keying locks, and changing the garage door opener code. . Consider installing devices that mimic activity, and may dissuade a would-be thief, such as: 1. "Fake TV" - mimics a real television at night - about $30 2. Fake security camera - with blinking LED lights - about $10 3. Fake security signs and/or window stickers - from $10-$20 4. "Beware of Dog" warning sign - about $10 5. Light & appliance timers - about $5 each . Bring in newspapers, flyers, packages, and waste bins promptly, and suspend delivery / service when you're out of town. . Keep your garage door closed unless you are in the immediate vicinity. . Remove the "T" handle or cut the end of the cord from the garage door opener emergency release mechanism. . If you see someone else's garage door open and don't see them around, give them a call or knock on the door to call their attention to the situation. . Store bicycles and other expensive sporting goods or toys out of sight from the street. . Increase contact with your neighbors - 1. Get to know all your adjacent neighbors - establish trust 2. Notify each other when out of town - agree to watch each others' place 3. While on vacation, pick up and newspapers, flyers, packages, etc. 4. Offer to occasionally park your car in their driveway while they're gone 5. Return the favor, and communicate often . If you see any suspicious activity, call 9-1-1 !!