Eight Tips For Keeping Your Home Safe This Summer

The summer months are a time when many families travel and spend time away on vacation. Unfortunately, this allows burglars the opportunity to commit break ins and commit thefts.

The Bernards Township Police Department would like to suggest a few crime prevention tips that may make it less likely that you would become a victim of burglary or theft.

We would also like to remind our residents that we need you to be our eyes and ears. If you see something or someone that you believe to be suspicious, please call the Police Department and ask that the person or situation be looked into.

Be good neighbors and report unusual activity. Generally speaking, most residential burglary activity occurs during daylight hours. Motor vehicle burglaries are more likely to occur at night.

Bernards Police Department Tips

• Always lock your residence and motor vehicle at all times. Do not leave car keys in your vehicle. Thieves will often target unlocked residences and vehicles.
• When on vacation stop newspaper and mail delivery. Newspapers in the driveway or an overflowing mailbox, suggest to burglars that no one is home.
• Put lights on timers or delay switch when not home.
• Keep the grass cut in the summer months (or have snow shoveled in the winter months) when away for extended period of time.
• Keep detailed records and inventory of all valuable possessions.  Have photos available of items like jewelry and antiques. Keep records of manufacturers, model, and serial numbers for valuable electronics. 
• Never give personal information over the phone or to suspicious solicitors.
• When using the internet or social networks like Facebook, Myspace, or Twitter, do not give personal details or travel plans.
• Do not leave empty trash or recycling containers in front of the house for long periods of time.

Article submitted by Lt. Edward Reese, Bernards Township Police Department