Resident Scares Away Home Burglar Believed To Be Looking For Car Keys In Basking Ridge: PD

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Authorities are asking the public for help following a home burglary and an attempted home burglary on Sunday.

On Oct. 13 at 4:37 a.m., Bernards Township Police believe burglars entered a home on Woodstone Road through an unsecured first-floor window and no forced entry was seen, said Police Chief Jon Burger.

Around $250 was taken from the home "but it is believed that they were looking for the keys to the vehicle which was in the driveway," said Burger.

The home was occupied at the time and it is believed that the burglars were scared off by the person in the home, said Burger.

An attempted burglary also happened on Oct. 13 between 4:50 and 5 a.m. on Homestead Road.

In that instance, a thin man wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt walked up the driveway and pulled on the handle of the garage door and then walked away, said Burger.

These incidents are currently being investigated by the Detective Bureau. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Phil Jasina at pjasina@bernardspd.org or 908-204-3051.

The police also announced they have a new way for residents to submit digital evidence. Anyone with photographs or video footage related to these incidents is asked to scan the QR code below. From there, they will be able to upload any evidence to assist detectives with this investigation.

Residents are reminded to report suspicious acts/persons/vehicles to the police immediately. Do your best to obtain descriptions to include clothing, vehicle make/model/license plate and the suspicious conduct in question. Call 908-766-1122 or 911 for emergencies.

Police offered the following tips to reduce the chance a burglar will target your home:

• Lock your home at all times. Thieves will often target unlocked homes.
• Put lights and televisions on timers or delay switch when not home.
• Keep records/photos of valuable possessions. Retain make, model, and serial numbers of valuable electronics.
• Do not leave trash containers, newspapers or mail uncollected.
• Ensure your camera system has video retention abilities (versus Live only).
• Set any intruder alarms to "zero delay," meaning the alarm sounds immediately upon an alarm condition.

Have a news tip? Email alexis.tarrazi@patch.com.