By Ellie Ritter, contributor 

As summer rolls back into season, the Avondale Estates Police Department has some advice for residents.

“Traditionally, during the summer months there is a rise in criminal activity, especially thefts from vehicles, carports, and of items left unattended in the yard,” Police Chief Lynn Thomas said in a letter sent to Avondale residents on Tuesday.

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To combat theft and other crime, Thomas recommends taking several preventative measures that restrict strangers’ access to valuables. He suggests keeping all items securely locked and attended to whenever possible.

Specifically, he recommends the following:

• Lock you vehicle doors when not in use – place all valuables in the trunk.
• Do not leave valuable items (i.e. mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws, ladders, etc.) unattended in your yard or visible in a carport.
• Secure and lock gates, garage doors, and storage shed doors after each use.
• Remember to close and lock your doors and windows when you are away from your home, regardless how long or short the time period and if you have an alarm please activate it.
• Keep bicycle(s) and sports equipment inside a closed garage or house when not in use. If bicycles cannot be stored inside, consider using a cable or chain to securely lock them.
• When on vacation, only carry credit and debit cards that you absolutely need; leave all others secured at home or in a bank deposit box.
• Before leaving on vacation, complete a Security Check form requesting the Avondale Estates Police Department to check your home during your absence.

Additionally, Thomas wants to focus on keeping children in the area safe.

“Front yards will have children playing in them, and the streets will have more bicyclists traveling on them going to friends’ houses, the pool and just having fun riding their bikes,” he said.

To protect children, motorists are “reminded to observe posted speed limits, obey stop and other traffic control signs, and to be highly observant when traveling through residential neighborhoods.”

The safety advice also applies to traffic, which will be affected by the reconfiguration of certain roads. Beginning Friday, May 26, Dartmouth Avenue in front of Willis Park and the Avondale Swim and Tennis Club will be changed to a one-way road for the duration of pool season.

Thomas asks that motorists “please obey the traffic flow plan and encourage visitors and friends to be alert and obey parking requirements.”

For more information, contact the Avondale Estates Police Department at (404) 294-5410 or visit the city’s website.