Crime & Safety

High Visibility Lights On Cop Cars Being Used To Prevent Crime In Basking Ridge

A rise in home and car burglaries in Basking Ridge has prompted the Township and Police to take action.

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — If you see a Bernards Township Police patrol car driving around with its lights on, do not be alarmed, said police.

"Many of our new patrol cars offer a high visibility feature allowing us to show our presence in a non-emergent matter," said Bernards Township Police Department.

Those patrol cars can be seen driving around the Township with their lights on, but not flashing.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

"Don't be alarmed it's just our officers taking a pro-active approach in crime prevention," said police.

This approach is a result of a rise in home and car burglaries in the Township.

Find out what's happening in Basking Ridgefor free with the latest updates from Patch.

The township has been experiencing car thefts and now with criminals becoming more brazen, they are entering homes in Basking Ridge to steal car keys. Read More: Burglars Enter Homes As Basking Ridge Residents Slept, Stole Cars: PD

The latest police blotter released this week reported two more home burglaries. In one instance, a family dog scared away masked burglars equipped with a crowbar. Read More: Dog Scares Away Masked Burglars With Pry Bar In Basking Ridge: Cops

At the Jan. 23 Township Committee meeting, Mayor Jennifer Asay said the township has taken multiple immediate steps including increasing police patrols, sharing a security checklist, creating a resident portal for residents to upload photos and videos from their surveillance cameras, and hosting an upcoming Town Hall on Feb. 22. Read More: Rising Burglary, Safety Concerns Prompt Action By Bernards Township

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